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A HISTORY
Mwipimn man ttfetlm^^
1608 TO 1860:
THE ORIGIN AND GEOWTH OP THE PRINCIPAL MECHANIC ARTS i
MANUFACTURES, FROM THE EARLIEST COLONIAL PERIOD
TO THE ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION ;
ANNALS OF THE INDUSTRY 01^ THE UNITED STATES IK MACHINERY
MANUFACTURES AND USEFUL ARTS,
By J. LBANDER EISIIOP, A.M, M.D.
■WITH AN APPENDIX, OONTAININQ
STATISTICS OP THT: PRIKCirAL KAHUFiCTURING CENTRES, AND DESCKIPIIOVS
OF RBMAItEABIE MAKIFFACIOIUES AT TEE PEESMT IIHK
IN THEEE VOLUMES:
YOL. II,
PHILADELPHIA:
EDWAED YOUNG & CO.,
SAMPSON low, SON & CO., 47 LUDGATB HILL.
18GG.
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iMrdlng to Aot of CongrGsfl,
EDWAEIi YOUNG ft
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A HISTORY
OP
lANDFACTlTRES IN THE UNITED STATES.
CHAPTER L
A REVIEW OP THE STATE AND COKDITION OF MANWAOTTiaES IN THE
PiaST TEN YEAE8 STJDCKEDING THE ADOPTION OS THE CONSTITDTJON.
DuKiNS the twenty-five years that elapsed between the peace of Paria,
which established the sHpremacy of Great Eiitain npoa this continent,
and the commencement of the present government of the United States,
American industry received ita first consider able, impulse in the direction
of Manufactures. The various noh-interconrae raeasures and the vfar
with the parent state promoted a steady growth of tlie domestic manu-
factures, which it had been the policy of Great Britain to discourage,
particularly those of the household kind. Although by no means eman-
cipated from dependence upon the workshops of Europe, a broad and
permanent foundation for their future growth had been laid in the indus-
trious, prudent and enterprising character of the early population of the
country. Gathered from the productive ranks of the most active and
ingenious nations of Europe, with a preponderance of the Anglo-Saxon
element, their colonial training was well fitted to develope habits of patient
toil, self-reliance, ready invention, and fertility in the use of resources.
These qualities, so necessary to success in all the practical arts, were
conspicuous in the American character. A varied and dexteroas me-
chanical industry was all but nniversal. Upon this basis had been long
growing up a comprehensive scene of domestic household manufacture
from native materials of great aggregate value, which had materially
lessened the annual balance against the Colonies, and had promoted the
comfort of all classes. Notwithstanding parliamentary restraints, a long
(13)
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14 THE CONSTITUTION THE PALLADIUM OE INDOSTET. £17S9
and impoYerishing war — exhaustive aa well of men as of means, — the high
price of labor, onerous public debts, and a worthless paper currency,
Beveral important branches of Manufactures had already obtained a per-
manent foothold and respectable magnitude. Some of these had long
furnished a surplus for exportation, others only required the security
arising from an efQcient central authority, a restoration of public and
priyate confidence and a reasonable protection against foreign competi-
tion, to become well established industries. Many new establishments
and some entire branches of manufacture had been entirely ruined by the
J importations which followed the peace and by the financial
3 which overtook all classes, in consequence of the heavy drains
of specie thereby occasioned, at a^time when money and credit were at
the lowest ebb. Against this state of things, the old Confederation, which
had no power of commercial legislation or to enforce treaties, could pro-
vide no remedy while the inharmonious ind often conflicting laws of the
sever il States (.oull give but partial lehef withm then ownjui adict ons
Hence the general enthusiasm with which the adoption of the new
ConstitTitioa was hailed in the pnncipal centies of mechanical industry
and trade as the paEadium of the future ind istrial interests of the nation
The new form ot goyerument orgamzcd undet it was regarded by tho
agricultural manufa tunng and commercial clisses with i o vam conli
dence as secunng to their inve'stmenta and labois those immunities and
rewards which they had sought m vin under the old Coufedeiation
A moie efficient administiation of affairs now took the plico of the
wretched lystem of distrust jealousy anl bleakness which had paralysed
allcnteipiise and new eneigy was infused mt all depaitments of business
Agriculture improved rapidly; Commerce expanded; and Manufactures,
which were still subordinate in importance to the foi'mer, put forth
bolder efforts. American labor began steadily to change its form from a
general system of isolated and fireside manual operations, though these
continued for some time longer its chief characteristic, — to the more
organized efforts of regular establishments with associated capital and
corporate privileges, employing more or less of the new machinery which
was then coming into use in Europe. To trace consecutively the leading
facts in the progress, during our constitutional history, of one branch of
the national industry, is our province, and derives additional importance
from the fact that at this time an assault upon the political life of the
Republic has, for a time at least, utterly paralyzed every peaceful pursuit,
and threatens to roll back the tide of general prosperity at the period
of its unexampled fullness.
The first formidable or protracted resistance to lawful authority in thia
country, since it became self-governing, occurred soon after the war of
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1789] PETITIONS IN FAVOK OF SOVERNMENTAL FHOrECTIOV 15
Independence, in consequence of those very evils for which in the ensaing
year a remedy was so happily found in that Constitution, who^e guaran-
ties ambition or misguided judgment would now set •i^ide That the
productive classea regarded the Constitution of list as confeinng the
power and right of protection to the infant manutactuici of the country
and thus of seconding the general zeal for their incieaae, la manifest from
the jubilant feeling excited in numerous quarters upon the public ratifica-
tion of that instrument. Their confidence in the ability and disposition
of the new government formed under it to aid them, as well as the ex-
treme peril in which their interests were then placed, are also apparent
from the fact that the first petition presented to Congress after its first
assemhling in March, 1789, emanated from upward of seven hundred of
the mechanics, tradesmen and others of the town of Baltimore, lamenting
the«lecline of manufactures and trade since the Revolution, and praying
tJiat the efScicnt government with which they were then blessed for the
first time, would render the country "independent in fact as well as in
name," by an early attention to the eacouragement and protection of
American Manufactures, by imposing on "all foreign articles which could
be made in America, such duties as would give a decided preference to
their labors."
This was followed by memorials from the manufacturers and mechanics
of the City of New York, who recognized in the government then
established, the power for which they had long looked " to extend a pro-
tecting hand to the interests of commerce and the arts," and discftivered
in the principles of the ConstitutioD, " the remedy which they had so long
and so earnestly desired." A petition of the tradesmen and manufacturers
of the town of Boston, presented soon after, asking the attention of
Congress to the eacouragement of manufactures and the increase of
American shipping, declares that " on the revival of our mechanical arts
and manufactures, depend the wealth and prosperity of the Northern
States," and that " the object of their independence was but half obtained
till these national polioses are established on a permanent and extensive
basis by the legislative acts of the Federal government." Similar me-
morials from the shipbuildersof Philadelphia and Charleston, fromcitizens
of New Jei-sey and others, were also received, asking protection and
encouragement to their respective branches. Congress, as the gnardian
of the interests of all classes, appears to have entertained no doubt of
its duty and privilege to extend at least an incidental support to the
feeble manufactures of the States, as was manifested in the fiscal measures
80 promptly adopted to discharge the public debts and meet the future
wants of the government. In virtue of its constitutional authority "to
lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises ;" and in response to
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16 THE FIKST TAEIIT ACT, [IT89
numerous petitions, Congress enacted as the first act of the consolidated
government, after that regulating the administration of oaths to support
the Constitution, a statute framed for the joint purposes of revenue and
protection, and which declared in its preamble that it was " necessary for
the support of government, for the discharge of the debts of the United
States, and the encouragement and protection of Manufactures that
duties be laid on goods, wares and merchandise imported." This raea-
Bure, which was brought forward by Mr. Madison, within two days after
counting the presidential vote, before the routine of business had been
settled, and before the inauguration of Washington, who signed the bill
on the national anniversary, after it had received a full and lengthy
discussion, passed the house by a vote of forty-one to eight. Thus, in
the first Revenue bill, which became the basis of subsequent Tariff acts,
the principle of legislative protection to American industry, was recog-
nized by a nearly unanimous vote of many who had been active in framing
the Constitution and in urging its adoption in the legislatures and con-
ventions of their respective States. The debate brought into view all the
principal questions which have entered into later discussions upon the
subject, save that of its constitutionality. This does not appear to have
been at all questioned by men who may be supposed to have understood
and respected the spirit and letter of the instrument framed by themselves
for their guidance and that of posterity. The act of the first Congress,
composed as it was, is chiefly important, as an answer to the charge that
the ppogress of manufactures in this country, so far as it has depended
ned in a similar spirit, has been made in violation of the
.1 law of the government, and proves that the founders of our
Government felt themselves competent to afford legislative encourage-
ment at a time when all branches of industry were imperilled by adverse
foreign policy and financial disorder at home. It was indeed fitly urged
by Madison, who favored a free system of commerce generally, that those
States which in regard to population were most ripe for Manufactures,
were entitled to have their interests considered, inasmuch as they had
yielded up, under the Constitution, the authority to regulate trade, and
with it the power of protection, in evident expectation that such power
would be exercised by Congress.
It appears that then, as now, members differed in opinion as' to the
amount of duty to be levied on different articles, as to the duration of
the Act, which was finally limited to June 1, 1196 ; and in respect
^' °° to the question of discrimination in regard to foreign powers.
Madison's original resolution proposed temporary speciSc duties upon
rum, and other spirituous liquors, wines, tea, coffee, sugar, mola.sscs and
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IISS] THE DUTIES UNDEK THE FIEST a'AllIFP ACT. IT
pepper, and Want ad valorem duties on all other imports, and a tonnage
duty on all vessels, with discriminations in favor of those owned wholly
in the United States, or in eonntries with which we had treaties. On
motion of Mr, Fitzsimmona, of Pennsylvania, who advocated an effective
system of permanent protection to the infant Manufactures of the country,
the following articles were added to the list for specific duties with that
object in view, viz : beer, ale, porter, cider, beef, pork, butter, cheese,
candles, soap, cables, cordage, leather, hats, alit and rolled iron, iron
castings nails unwroon-ht steel paper cibinPt-ware and carriages
Ah wl d dtw w IditMGdh's sugges-
t Id fjtt IthStwl nsiderable
dt ml tljfidt dthdm nations in
t g t k t tt Id w 1 1 1 t tl 1 t for pro-
t t ri d t m las 1 h p t ] 1 kes, nails
dbd Ittl ppt'isdt Itl neidei-able
d th th ml g lly f g 1 d t es, except
t h 11 d 1 t t ly used. A
1 t 1 f h If m II f d U pp d t 1 mpl jed in the
b f 1 tU h hh d ft de tlyd th Pevolution,
a 1 V t 0 e t me e ly 1 troy d The e p t t f to Africa
hlb md dw ktspdth ifE rope. A
t m ml t t d th t h mp Id b jl tf llj k 'h ob the
Oh Ithy Idllt ttbtf t dimensions
t U f i t g d w J t t th th f th Mississippi.
MB! f & th C 1 d ti It t f tt was con-
t mpl t 1 th S th 1 f g d 1 Id b It 1 he hoped it
w \\ 1 At th t f tl ■\ g m mb ho stated
t! t 1 h d b p d tl t bt t p bl f I plying the
wh 1 I t I fet t w th th mj t t m I d ty f _two cents
p b 1 1 w 1 d mp t d 1 Tl t pi yed in the
y tAm jdtsw ttdtbt e00,000 tons,
I tw th d 1 Am 1 th t t f {,ition were
f dbyllwfjd tftp t gd mported in
Am 1 ilyd mt fltfify jr cent, on
t mi t d d tly f ra b y d tl C p f O I H i n foreign
1 n CI t d tl d t Am 1 ts, already
mpi d th f ty 1 t m Mis 1 tt p pally from
Sim th m f m M^ "i k d Ph 1 d ![ 1 Th goes were
hflyidf g gdthdmtpl hanged on
tl tw d y g
Th fl h th b 1 f th t I 1 t y 1 o obtained
ah n It 1 by th A t f J ly 4 Tl d fishery was
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18 CINCINNATI FOUNDED. HtOVIDESCE MANUFAOTTjaEaS. [1189
stated to have been nearly destroyed during tht War but lud '!o far
recoTeied «is to employ 4S0 vesseh amountint, to 21 000 tons ind Lalf
as miicli moie m tnnsportmg the ft h to marl et 11 e li'ibermen -isked
a rem sb un of the duty on salt imported anl used for their business m
heu of which a bonnty wis g yen ot five cent n every q iintal of dried
or ban el of picLled fl h exported to foiei^n co int les
Dunn^ the session Congre a also passed acts prjv d ng for the collec
t!on of duties for the leg stration and em llment of vessels and the
fistablibl ment of the execntivc departmontg including the Treasury
For this la'it most responsille ofBce the h ^hest financial ability was
eeeuied by the appointment of Alexander Hamilton as the first Score
tary, who in May following, took as hia assistant accoidmg to tl e pro
■visions of the act, Mr. Tench Coxe an ardent ind able a Ivocate of
American industry.
Nearly contemporaneous with the orgamzatiDu of the new govern
ment, was the settlement of the j,reat States of Ohij ind Kentuckj
In the beginning of the year a new tswn to bp nlled Los^ntiv lie aftei
ward changed to Cincinnati, was laid out on the site of the corameicial
and manufacturing Capital of the West The hist log cabin was built
there, in tlie raidst of the forest m the prev om December eight months
after tbe "Ohio Company" had made the fii at settlement d,t Manetta
During the summer of this year the Company erected the firat saw mill
in the State at Wolf Creek, an 1 granted donitions of land to those who
would make similar improvements The act oigmiaing a new Govern
ment for the Northwest Tonitory was passed August 1 1189
Limiting our view to what appeir to be the most important events in
the raannfacturing history of the year, we note the following :
It was hailed as an indication of progress in manufactures, that early
in the year, John Brown of Providence, one of the wealthiest merclianta
and manufacturers of New England, appeared dressed in cloth made from
the fleeces of his own flock. The yarn, it is added, was spun by a
woman eighty- eight years of age.'
During the year, the mechanics and manufacturers of Providence,
formed an Association for mutna! aid, and obtained a charter of incorpo-
ration. The institution proved highly serviceable to the mechanics and
the community generally.'
The builders of a bridge over the Charles River at Boston, were at
this time engaged in building one or more upon the same plan in Ireland,
the wood for which was all carried from Massachusetts.
At the opening of the year, the manufacturing committee of the
Pennsylvania Society, for the encouragement of manufactures and the
(1) Sinpks's AquiIs of Providence, 352. (2) Ibid, eS6.
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1^89] PniLADELPHIA. AND BALTIMORE MANUFACTURES — SLA-TSS.. 19
usefal arts, offered for sale their first printed cottons, with corduroys,
federal ribs, jeans, flax, and tow linen, etc. Under an act to assist
the cottoa maaufaeturea of the State, passed soon after, the Assembly
aathorized a snbscnption of one thousand pounds for one hundred
shares in the stock of the Company, and the day following, made a loan
of two hundred pounds to John Hewson, calico-printer to the Society.
Another act favorable to the industry of the State, enabled aliens to
buy, hold, sell, or bequeath real estate, without relinquishing their former
allegiance. It was renewed at its expiration in 1792.
Burrell Caraes, under the firm of Le Collay & Chardon, established a
manufactorj of Paper Hangings in Philadelphia, which in the next nine
months made ten thousand pieces.'
The Philosophical Society was presented with a model of a silk reel,
by Edward Pole of Philadelphia; also, with a printed book, the leaves
of which were made of the roots and bark of diiferent trees and plants,
being the first essay in that kind of manufacture. A specimen of petro-
leum, fonnd in considerable quantity in Oil Creek, a branch of the Alle-
gheny, was presented by Wm. Trumbull.'
A Company was formed in Baltimore, by Messrs. Caton Tanbibbcr,
A. McICiia, Townsend, and others, to manafactare cotton on a small
scale, nsing the new (stock) cai-ding machinery and small hand jeonies.
They made some jeans and velvets, but did not ultimately succeed.
la the autnmn of this year (November 11), Samuel Slater, the father
of American Cotton Manufactures, arrived at New York from Eng-
land, and entered into the employ of the New York Manufacturing Com-
pany, where he remained until the close of the year ; after which he
removed to Providence by invitation of Moses Brown.
President Washington, during his tour to the Eastern States in the
autumn, visited several of the young manufactories in Philadelphia aud
New England, manifesting an interest in their prosperity.
The first suecessfnl crop of Sea island cotton, was raised on Hilton
Head, near Beaufort, South Carolina. It was also raised on SapeJo
Island, Georgia, from seed of the Pernambnco variety, seat three years
before, by Mr. Patrick Walsh of Jamaica to Frank Levett of that
place, find both previously of Bahama. In some other parts of the
Southern States, cotton began to be a frequent crop from this period
onward..
During this year also, the first steam-engine for cotton- spinning was
erected at Manchester, England.
(I) OommuviicBtcd bj T. Westootl, Esq. (2) Ti^ansaotions, vol. Ui.
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20 WASHINGTON'S FIKST MENAGE. [IT90
The President's first Annual Message to Congress, at its seeond
BBSsion in the following year, was delivered in a full suit of broadcloth,
ordered at the woolen faeterj of Colonel Wadsworth, at New
1790 jjaven, Connecticut. The Message, among other objects recom-
mended, says, " That of providing for the common defence will merit
partievilar regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual
means of preserving peace." It continues, "a free people ought not
only to bo armed, but disciplined ; to which end, a uniform and well-
d t d pi 1 t *! th safety and interest require that they
hldpmt hm ft as tend to render them independent
f tl f t 1 j t 1 ly for military supplies.
Th 1 t f A It e, Commerce, and Manufactures, by
llpp m wll tit t eed recommendation. But I cannot
fb tt^tyth p lieiicy of giving effectual encourage-
m t 11 t tlx t d t of new and useful inventions from
I I t th t f k 11 and genius in producing them at
hm lffn,ltt^th t urse between the distant parts of our
t J 1 y d tt t t tl 1 ost office and post roads.
N mil 1 Idtlt jou will agree with me in opinion
that there is nothin^ which can better deserve your patronage than the
promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country tlie
surest basis of public happiness."
Acting upon these enlightened suggestions, Congress ordered "that
it be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and report to
this House, a proper plan or plans, conformably to the reeommendation
of the President in his speech to both Houses of Congress, for the en-
couragement and promoting of such manufactories as will tend to render
the ITiiited States independent of other nations, for essential, particularly
for military supplies." The report was made toward the end of the
ensuing year.
In conformity with another resolution of the previous session the Sec-
retary reported to Congress a plan for the support of the national credit,
by a faithful discharge of the principal and interest of the public debt,
estimated in the aggregate at $19,124,464. The result was an Act pro-
viding for the prompt and regular payment of the interest and overdne
instalments of the foreign debt and its final liquidation j for the assumption
by the General Government of the several State debts, and the conver-
sion of the whole domestic debt into a voluntary loan, subscriptions to
which were payable in certifiuates of such debt at par value, and in conti-
nental bills of credit at one hundred for one — the duties on tonnage and
imports under new acts, and the faith of the Government, being pledged
for the interest.
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1190] THE rUNDlNG, PATENT AND COEYKIGHT. ACTS. 21
To provide additional revenne for these objects, the tariff underwent
a revisioD, whereby the duties the House proposed to levy were in the
Senate, witli a few cxceptiotis, augmented twenty-five, fifty, and in some
cases one hundred per cent, above the former rates. The, free list was
somewhat extended, and an increase of ten per cent, on goods imported
in foreign vessels, substituted for the discount previonsly allowed to that
amount on importations made in American ships. The Tonnage Act
was remodelled, but without any change in the rates of duty or further
discrimination between foreign vessels.
The obvious justice to the paljlic cteditors, of the Funding Act, and
its advantages, so ably set forth by Mr. Hamilton, soon became apparent.
A new impulse was given to industry, and confidence in the stability of
the TJt n nas evinced by an immediate rise in the current value of the
001 1 ncntal ceitificates which had already advanced since the passage of
the hut levenue bill A lapid augmentation of the tonnage of the
United State which follo(ved, has been ascribed by many to the dis-
cnminating duties on tonnige and imports made in the acts above re-
fen ed to
As required by th C n t tut n of the United States, which was
filbt tu Oldim the ay t mat meration at regular intervals of the
populat on as a 1 1S1 f p ntat n and taxation. Congress passed its
firut ict foi 1 CPUS f tl nhabtants of the whole Union. The
schedules piepaied v 1 th law d d not embrace any account of the
occupations weilth or industry of the people, which have since become
nnivei-sally regarded is an equally important index of the progress and
prosperity of nations The population on tiie first of August, was found
to be 3 921 o2b n luding 697,691 slaves, and exclusive of Indians not
ta\el
By vutue ot the oiohth section of the first article of the Constitution,
three other liws I av ni, important relations to the progress of industry
and knowlelge were ei acted by Congress. One established a uniform
rule of natuiUizit <.i
Another, designed to promote the progress of useful arts, secured to
citizens of the United States, the inventors of new machines or processes,
or improvements upon old ones, the right to enjoy under letters patent,
to be issued by a Board, consisting of the Secretaries of State and War,
and the Attorney General, the sole and exclusive use of their inventions,
for a period of fourteen years. The first patent under this law was issued
by the Secretary of State on the 31st July, and two others during the
year.
An act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies
of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such
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MASIIfAOnTKES. [1T90
copies, authorized like the foregoing by the Constitution, and recom-
mendpd to the especial attention and encouragement of Congress in the
presidential speech, granted to authors, citizens, or residents of the
United idtates, the copyright of their worlis for fourteen years, with the
privilege, at the end of that time, of renewing it for a like term.
A memorial to Congi'ess in March, from the manufacturers of snufT,
and other manufactured tobacco in Philadelphia, deprecating a proposed
tax upon those articles, represents that since the commencement of the
Kevolufon, the importation of snuff and prepared tobacco had almost
ent ely eased. There were in the city of Philadelphia, at least thirty
m nuf tories, in which not less than three hundred men and boys were
cmpl ye 1 Nearly every inland town in the state contained one or more
fact Snuff mills, recently invented in the city, and driven by water,
e e n use. Steam was soon after employed. At Albany, New York,
was a very complete set of mUls for manufacturing tobacco, snuff, mus-
tard, etc., recently erected by Mr, James Caldwell, an enterprising mer-
chant of the city. They were regarded aa the most extensive and perfect
of the kind in the country. The snuff mill was considered capable of
making, in nine months of the year, sufficient snuff for the whole northern
part of America. The worits, which were destroyed by_lire in 1194, at
d
1 & b
aa N N E H tf d,
Vm CO
und sold there, in 1(146, at foity oonts a farms were not uneominDn in Ihe neighbor-
pounJ. The eitenaiTe and widely known hood of Philodolphia in 1T90, and Connet.
house of Lorillard, is probably the oldest tiont has long raised excellent tolsuco A
now in Amerieft, Pietra Lorillard having doty of six oaiit" n pound, intended to be
oommenaed the manufaotnro in ITBO. By prohibitory, was loid on roanufootured to-
his widow, and aubssqoeatlj by his aons, it baoCD by the Brot tariff, and ten cents a
Gilbert Stuart, the father of the oalebratad August, IJbD to Spplomber 30tli ITBU,
painter, eniigrated from Scotland to King- 15,350 ponndi of snuff wera esp(rtc I
flton, K. I., (where tte artist woa botn, in
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1T90]
28
It was ascertained that the number of gunpowder works in PenDsyl-
■vania was twenty-one, in whicli were annually made 635 tons of powder.
Four others were in coarse of erection. A. company was formed in Bal-
timore, to erect an extensive gunpowder factory in that city. It was
built the next year on Gwinn's Falls, and was in operation until Sep-
tember, 1813, when it blew up, and was never rebnilt.'
(I) Annals of Ealtiinore.-Tho earliest tecce's espadilioD, in 169B, it sold for a
reforenoo to tho manufBclore of gnnpow- pistolo the pound. In 17B1, the London
der in this country, is found in an order of Society of Art?, to stimulate its production,
the fleneral Coart of Ma=3aohuaetta, of offered a preraiam for nitre imported from
Juno 6, 1839, nheii Edward Eawson ivaa Amsrioa. FonrjearsnRer, espectaiionnns
granted 600 acres of land at Peooit, " so as a good deal riused in Englnnd, b? news
he goes on nitli tiie powder, if the saltpeter that a "sulphur mine" had heen discovered
«omea." In June, 1642, to promote the near Albany, and Eome powder manufa*to-
puHie safety, " by raising and prodncing rias, it was said, were about to be erected in
such materials amongat ue as will perfeot the province. A mill at Rhinebeok, in Sep-
thB making of gunponder, the instrnmantal tember, WTS, supplied powder at £20 per
maanes that all nations lajhouldon for their owt. We hove met with no account of moro
ptossrvation, ic, do order that every plan- than one powder mill built before the Re-
taUon within this Colony shall erect n bouse volution, which found the Colonlsa quite an-
ia length, about 20 or 30 foote, and twenty provided with this " in stro mental meanss."
fOOte Widewithln-one half jear next Cuming, As the eiportation of powder and iu mate-
Ao., to make saltpetre from urine of men, riaU from England, was prohibited by an
beaats,gDatoa,lieons,liogs,iiiidhoraBfl'duDg, order in Counoil, of Octohar IB, 1714, the
4c." M«eord>, i. 283; ii. IT. Tliia in-
junotiou to preserve organic matters for the
formation of nitre bods, was oonformable to ai"! tlie several State Conventions, assem-
the practice required of the oitiiiene of Lon. blies, and Coramilteos of Safety. A reaolu-
don and Weatminater, by royal proclamation tion of the Provindal Congresa of Masea-
ia 162B, and with that of Sweden, in the obuseits, December S, 177i, states, that the
present day, where every peasant isreqnired ""ins of several powder mills oaisled there,
by law to have his compost shed or nitriary, and many poraons underalood the business.
Olid to furnish the State a certain quantity I' reoomniended the restoration of one or
of saltpetre, yearly. It was enforced by sub- '"">" "f ""e mills, or the erection of others,
sequent orders, aod by considerable fines. Henee, the manuraoture of powder appears
InMay, 1668, Richard Wooddey and Henry to have been attempted, at least in that
Rnaaell, of Boston, having made prepara- Colony, previous to the erection, in HTS, of
tions for saltpetre and powder works, wore «■ powder mill ot Bast Hartford, Conueca-
grauted certain privileges by way of en- ™t, which has since been spoken of aa the
oouraganient. A powder mill waa built at first In thin country. This was bailt by
Dorchester, previous to 1680. A law of the William and George Pitkin, under an Act of
Geuoral Courts enacted previous to 1704, the Assembly raguladng their erection, and
prohibited the exportation of gunpowder, giving a bounly of £30 eaoh forthe Hrat two
and authorized " the undertahers of the powder mills erected, end £10 for every
powder mill," to impress workmen by a war- owt, of saltpetre made during the next year,
rant from the magistrate, as in the case of liberty was at the same time given to Jed-
n public work. The numerous Frenob and ediah Blderkin and Hnfhaniel Wales, (o
Indian wars, and the nature of ooloniel life set up a powder mil! at 'Windham,
and trade, created a vast demand in England Aliout the same time a powdev mill wits
for gnupowder tor America. Dnring Pron- erected at much cspensa at South Andfvcr,
,y Google
GUNPOWDEK— EPSOM B.
Bp m
Ad n C m
r b 0
[1190
ftiid tha proprietor, ten years after, erected for nitre. It yielded about an ounce to the
apapor mill at the place, conducted by quart, and produced much eDtbuBiasni for a
PhiUipa and Hughes. One or more powder time. The discovery of a "sulphur mins"
mills wera built in Peunsylirnnin, before in Virgioio, was onnouneod to Congress in
that of Col. Pitkin!. The committee of UTS, and n meaaenger waa dispatched fot
the City and Liberties, in 1775, established samples of the mineral. Many similar dis-
a large saltpetre works on Market street, eoveries were made eiaewbere. Hilre was
Philadelphia onder the superintend mce of manufactBred in April, 1776, at Wariviek
M B Ml CI m All M 03 L d P te sburg, and the Proyiacial Con-
CdwUd dDRli ihth g Ived to set up a third factory in
1 1 mm H w 1 teJ t d H I f Connly, under Commissioners, who
p binidCg hwl eeivB 1». a pound. It appropri-
jarpbihl m alg g td £500 for a powder mill in the same
1 m th i f m k g !i^ 1 ty AVirgiaian, also, published direc-
wh h p m ts w mad b Th m t f making gunpowder. Horih Caco-
F y a C pta P y B Up t w k 1 ff 1 £35 per cwt. for saltpetre, and
w t p B t by D Wh tai £200 f the first 600 weight of gunpowder
d bj Ih d ff t pi Th q I t English powder of SSs. the cwl. ;
C 1 f -5 f ty d th t f I f 100 lat the first 1000 lbs. weight i>f
ral altp t dgpdft fid Iphnr. As early as 1707, South
i P syl I d gth C 1 Oar 1 passed. B Ian to enconrage tho
P wd M 1! t E h C 1 wh h lU fact re of saltpetre and potash, and
ploded m March, 1777. They allowed S3 m NoTomber,1775, voted premiumsof £200,
per ewt. for gunpowder.— i'emisjlcaii in Ai-- £1S0, f lOB, and f 50, respectivoly. for the
chivea. first works that produced each 50 lbs. of
A powdej' mill was built oarly in the war good merohantahlo saltpetre. Sums of £300,
at Morristown, New Jersoj, by Col. Ford, £100, and fSO, were offered for the first
and being amply enpplied with aallpetre by sulphur works, producing 100 Iba, of refined
the inhabitauls, afforded considerable sap- sulphur, which the State agreed to take at
plies when they were most needed. The 5». per lb. over and above the premium.
ProTincial Congress of Now York, in 1776, Georgia, also, encouraged the mannfaoturs
ofi'ered premiums of £100, £75, and £50, of saltpetre, sulphur and gunpowder,
for the first three powder mills, capable of These efforts, made un<ler the pressnre of
making 1000 lbs. par week, creeled in the a stern iieoesaity, resHlted in the permanent
State. Henry Wisner buUt a powder mill establiihmentof the manufacture ofpowder
snd published n method of making it. Ma. in several States, of which a striliing ex.
ryland, in 1775, sutboriied a loan of £1000 ample is stated in the test. They were,
tnward the ereetion of one or more saltpetre however, inadequate to the immediate ne-
worlis, and half a dollar par pound for the ccssisies of the wnr, and considerable snp-
,y Google
IT 90] CHEMICALB. FITOh's BOAT — MAPLE SUGAE. 25
The Messrs. Christopher and Charles Marshall, chemists, commenced
tlie manufactnre of Sal Ammoniac and Glauber Salts, on a large scale
in Philadelphia. Speeiraens of these salts had been presented to the
American Philosophical Society, as early as 1786, by the manufacturers,
who were among the earliest technical chemists in the country.
Clarified or Datch Quills, are noticed as a new article of domestic
manufacture in Boston.
A committee of Congress recommended a loan of $8,000 to John F.
Amclung, the proprietor of an extensive glass manufactory in Frederick,
Maryland.
June 5. — The steamboat bnilt by John Pitch, propelled by twelve oars,
made her first trip on tite Delaware, as a passenger and freight boat,
between PhiJadelphia and Trenton, performing eighty miles between four
o'clock A. M., and five P. M., against a strong wind, all the way back,
and sixteen miles of the distance against the current and tide. She thus
accomplished the most successful experiment in steam navigation as yet
macle in Europe or America. During four months she continued to
perform regalarly advertised trips, between Philadelphia, Trenton, Bar-
lington, Bristol, Chester, Wilmington, and Gray's Feriy, running about
3,000 milegin the season.
July 11. — Upward of half a ton of maple sugar was brought to Phi-
ladelphia, from Stockport, on the Delaware, A sloop also arrived, Sep-
tember 3, from Albany, ivith forty hogsheads of maple sugar, the pro-
perty of Judge William Cooper, of Cooperstown, Otsego Connty, K, Y.,
the whole of it made on the waters of the Susquehanna. These samples
were pronounced equal or superior iu quality to the best Muscovado.
Loaf sugar, made from the product of the maple tree, by Messrs. Edwai'd
and Isaac Pennington, sugar refiners, formerly of the West Indies, was
also offered for sale, and considered equal to any made from cane sugar.
Otsego County, though thinly inhabited produced this year 300 chests
of 400 pounds each. These and simdai evidences of a rapid increase
and improvement in an art which onginallv leiined ot the Indians had
throughout the Northern Colonies foi many years yielded the families
of farmers occasionally fiom one oi two handled to a thousand pounds
plies wore proonrad from tbe Weat loA es E Elinl after dedoot ag the drawl ntk
and elaenheru, to which end the eommero al J5« or 0» Some 8 Iphur was obta nei
reattiotions were Bomewhnt relaxed Much from the mlenor of ^ i gin a, but oh eSy
gunpowder waa also obtained opportunely bvinio ai nn an! n ITlll saltpetre waa
bjoaptnre. The first tariff la d a d tj ot cbaafor n Ph ladelph f, than n Lonlon
ten per oent. on gnnpowper bat odmi ted In 11 i tbe gunpowde migaz ne D Phi
snItpotreandsulplinrfrBB. Theprcewtiin ladelpb a nbicb then reee Ted none but
II year or two fell to £3.12, or $18 per owf. American powder, oontmned nearly 50,0011
for powder, [or wbiub merchnnts puid in quarter casks, luonufaclured in that State,
i.Google
2G OAPT. GKAT'S voyage — SLATEH'S MILE — COTTON. [1790
of sugar for a few weeks' labor, during the months of Febraary, March
and April, and bad been greatly extended by the forced economy of the
llevolution, were regarded, particularly bj the friends of African emanci-
pation, as pointing to a domestic source for ample supplies of sugar for
the whole TJnion. Estimates based upon information given by Mr.
Cooper and others, as to the average yield of each tree, the number per
acre, and the extent of Sugar Maple lands in New Tork and Pennsyl-
vania, went to show that 363,000 acres of such lands would supply, by
the ordinary family labor, the whole demand of the TJnion for sugar and
molasses, computed at about 43,000,000 lbs. annually. Each of the conn-
ties of Albany, Montgomery, Otsego, Tioga and Ontario, in New York,
or of Northampton, Luzerne and Northumberland, in Pennsylvania, were
supposed to contain more than. that number of acres of sugar maple trees,
to say nothing of the large number of sugar trees in other parts of these
and in sister States. The subject was recommended by Mr. Henry
Drinker, who made the previous year sixty barrels on his own estate, on
the Delaware ; by Dr. Eusb, in a letter to the Secretary of State, pnb-
iished in the American Philosophical Transactions, and by Mr. Tench
Coxe, who jointly published a pamphlet, detailing the utensils, materials
and process, emplojed in the manafactnre. Large quantities of maple
?ugar were also made in Termont, New Hampshire, and other parts of
New England.
The ship Colnmbia, of Boston, Captain Gray, having sailed, Septem-
ber 30th, 1781, with the sloop Washington, of ninety tons, for the north-
west coast of America, and thence with furs to China, returned home
by Cape of Good Hope, completing the first American voyage around
the world.'
Samuel Slater, having completed, under many difficulties, and chiefly
with his own hands since the 18th of January, the entire series of Ark-
wright machines, at Pawtueket, K, I., started at that place, the first
complete and successful water- spinning mill for cotton in the United
States. The machinery, operated by the water-wheel of an old fulling-mill,
embraced three carding, one drawing and roving-machine, and seventy-
two spindles. The skill and energy which thus introduced the ERA
OF THE Cotton Mandfactuke, deserve to be commemorated in some
lasting memorial hj the American people. By the time list, he appears
to have-commenced with four carders and spinners, whose names were
Torpen and Charles Arnold, Smith Wilkinson, and Jabez Jenks, to whom
were pooh after added Eunice and Ann Arnold, John and Tarnns Jenks,
and Otis Borrows.
Carolina planters about this time began generally to clothe their slaves
in homespun, from the produce of their cotton fields. The material was
,y Google
1190] MANUPAOTCBINO EVENTa 2T
usuaOj prepared for the spindle by the field Lands, who picked tlie seed
from the wool, at the rate of four pounds per week ; and haying been spun
ia the family, it was sent to the nearest weaver. A manufacturing
establishment of Irish settlors, near Murray's Ferry, in Williamsburg
district, supplied the adjacent country.
A small cottott mill with eighty-fonr spindles, driven by water, was in
operation near Statesburgh, and a woolen mill on Fishing Creeii, near
the Catawba River.
An unsnecessful attempt was this year made to introduce power-looms
into Manchester, England.
The publication in Philadelphia, by Thomas Dobson, of the firat half
volume of the Encyclopedia Brltaaniea, to be completed in fifteen
volumes, quarto, with much original matter, at fifteen guineas, or seventy
dollars, the subscription price of the English edition, was the commence-
ment of an increased amount of enterprise in the printing business in the
United States.' An edition of the Catholic Bible was also printed this
year by M. Carey.
Benjamin Franklin and James Bowdoin, late Governor of Massachu-
setts, both distinguished friends and proprietors of American Manufac-
tures died, the forraei' in the eighty-fifth, and the latter in the sixt.j-fourth
year of his age.
The Committee of the Lords of Trade, to whom was referred in Sep-
tember, 11S9. the Acts of Congress, imposing discriminaticg tonnage
1TQ1 ^"'^ other duties, with instructions to consider and report what
proposals of a commercial nature were proper to be mnde to the
Government of the United States, presented a report drawn up by Lord
Liverpool. They recommended negotiation on the subject of duties ;
and while they admit the full right of the United States to impose dnties
"either for the pnrpose of revenue or of encouraging the produce or
manafactares of their territories," by way of preventing snch an increase
of those duties as would exclude British manufactures, they suggest two
provisions in the proposed treaty. First, " that the duties on British
manufactures imported into the United States, shall not be raised above
■what they are at present." "It may be of use," they say, "to bind the
United States not to raise those duties above what they are at present,
[1) The I
sher then Ud Iiut 246 aub-
He then
found no difficulty in pro
ild procure only two or tbroB
printers
foE Ihe work. In irSfl, foui
ilioDsnnd copies of the Erst
sellers th
ought Hn edition of the Ke
iniei\; two tbons^d of the
tamont fo
r schools a worit of risk, rsc
hen ho hud compleled the
much CO
nanllalion, preiiously to t
isrlption eslended so far as
on of the niooBura.— Jn^Ji'ns
rassary to reprint the first.
tiou befrr
e lie Academj of Fine A>ie.
i.Google
28 NAVIGATION ACTS — THE UNITED STATES BANK. [1191
by obtaining an express stipulation for this purpose ; but, if this ccnees-
sion caunot bo obtaiued, it may lie suffleient perhaps to stipulate that
the duties on British manufactures should not at any time be raised above
the duties now payable on the like manufactures imported from Great
Britain into France and Holland, according to the commercial treaties
with those powers."
The second proposition was, " that the duties on all other merchandise,
whetiier British or foreign, imported from Great Britain into the United
States, sliall not be raised higlier at any time than on the like merchandise,
imported from any other European nation." As the basis of a com-
mercial treaty, they offered the single proposition, that British ships
should be treated in United States ports in like manner as American
ships shall be treated in the ports of Great Britain. It could not, how-
ever, be admitted, even as a sulg'ecl of negotiation, that this principle of
equality should be extended to the Colonies and Islands of Great Britain ;
or, that United States ships should there be treated as British. The
profitable circuitous trade by which ships from Great Britain, carrying
British manufactures to the United States, there load with lumber and
provisions for the West Indies, and thence return with the produce of the
Island to Great Britain, they say, was wholly a new acquisition, created
by hia Majesty's order in Council (of 1183), which bad operated to the
increase of British navigation, compared with that of the United States,
in a double vatio, " bat it has taken from the United States more than it
has added to that of Great Britain." The retention of the American
market, and the carrying trade, was thus an object of especial desire,' but
the urging of it was postponed by the revolution in France, which
operated to the increase of American manufactures and navigation.
In conformity with a plan suggested by the Secretary of the Treasury,
for providing a circulating medium for the requirements of government
and trade, Congress established at Philadelphia (February 36), the
United States Bank, with a charter for twenty years, and a capital of
$10,000,000, divided into 25,000 shares, one-fifth of which were held by
the government. In conjunction with the funding system, the active
a emp ary regulatioa of cominunioatioQ tiona, ns fish, boof, pork, butter, lai-i1, etc.,
betwe n be two ooantrioe, prnposea in wben cnrried in BritiEh ehipa. The mer-
Ma h 178^ tailai throngb the violent op- eontile intofests, also, procured tbe rejeotinu
pa n f he navigation int^resta, headed of n plan for a oommereial Crealj on princi-
ty L d Sheffield, and the death of tha pies of reoiprooity, propoeed by Mr. Adams,
Clinn e or The orders of the King in tho Atneriean Minister in London, nho
Conn n whom the autioritj was subse- theronpon strongly recommended the States
quen y ed, wholly eielndad American to pass Navigation AolB, which was done by
vs e m ports in the British TVeet In- Bcveral otUiem.
i.Google
1191] DTiTIES ON LEAD AND COTTONS — EKCIEE ON 8PIETTS. 29
capital thereby created was d'cemed favorable to the restoration of public
credit, and ibe progress of commerce and the arts. It was the fourth
institution of the liinii in the country, banks already existing at Phila-
delphia, Boston and Kew York ; and others went into operation thia
year at Baitimove and Providence.
On March 2, a slight amendment was made in the last Tariff Act, by
which the duty of one cent per pound on bar and other lead was ex-
tended to" all manufactures, wholly or chiefly of lead ; and that of seven
and a half per cent, ou chintzes and calicoes was made to include ail
printed, stained and colored manufactures of cotton or linen.
At the call of Secretary Hamilton, an act was also passed (March 3),
laying, on spirits imported after 30th Jnne, a considerably higher duty,
varying from twenty to forty cents a gallon, according to strength, and
an excise duty of eleven to thirty cents, upon domestic spirits, distilled
from molasses, sugar, or other foreign materials ; and of nine to twenty-five
cents per gallon on that made from materials the growth or produce of the
United States, for the collection of these duties, each State was made
a collection district, with as many supervisors as were necessary, whose
duty it was in the case of home- distilled spirits, to appoint officers each to
have charge of one or more distilleries, to gauge, proTG and brand every
cask, according to its contents ; and having collected the excise in cash,
or by bond, to give a certificate, without which it could not be removed,
on pd.n of forfeiture. On private stills, in country places, using domestic
materials, a yearly duty of eLsty cents per gallon on the contents of the
still was imposed. Every distiller was required to place upon his buiM-
ings, and the doors of his vaults, the words "Distiller of Spiuts," and
before commencing the business, was to enter in writing, at the nearest
inspection ofBce, a particular description of his buildings and apaitments ;
when they were subject to the inspection of the officers, who were also
to furnish, and from time to time inspect books, in which the distiller was
required to make a daily entry of the quantity and quality of spirits dis-
lilied, sold, or dehvered, according to the marks , and to verify the same
by his oath, or afBrmation. An allowance equal to the duty in each case,
less half a cent per gallon was allowed, by way of drawback upon spirits
exported ; and upon spirits distilled from molasses in the United States,
an additional allowance of three cents per gallon, equivalent to the duty
laid upon molasses. The net product of the duties was pledged for the
payment of interest on loans, and the surplus, if any, to the reduction of
the public debt ; and the act was to cease when these objects had been
attained.
The discrimination eo-operated with the duty of three cents upon
inolasses to favor the grain distillers of the United States. Kotwith-
,y Google
go THE WniSKY KEBELIION. [1191
standing considerable opposition, strengtlienedbyarosolution of the Penn-
eylvania Asaenibly, then in session, against it, the act passed by a vote of
tbirty-five to twenty-one. The large number of private distilleriea affeeted
by this important act (amounting it is said to at least five thousand in
tbe State of Pennsylvania alone), caused strong remonstrances to be also
made in that State, and in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, where
Btilla were likewise numerous. The legislative dissent thus expressed,
doubtless encouraged the active resistance made during the next three
years to the enforcement of the act, particularly in the four western
counties of Pennsylvania, Commencing in North Carolina, the whisky
rebellion assumed its most formidable proportions in Westmoreland,
Washington, Fayette and Alleghany connties, where a large body of
Scotch and Irish distillers and farmers questioned the power of the new
government to impose so heavy a tax upon the only staple which would
bear the cost of transportation, by the means then in use, to the eastern
or other distant markets.
Opposition to the excise commenced in a public meeting, held July
27,at Redstone Old Port, (BrownsTille, to which the Legislature has
recently restored the old name), on the Monongahela, It was more
fully organized by a Convention held at Pittsburg, later in the year,
embracing some of the most wealthy and influential citizens of those
counties, and was countenanced by the western members. Smiley and
Findley, who had opposed the law in Congress, and denounced it among
their constituents. Mr. Gallatin, afterward the able Secretary of the
Treasury, also opposed the law, without sanctioning unconstitutional
modes of resistance. Many outrages were committed upon the officers
of the escise, or their supporters. The collection was only enforced after
some modifications of the law had been made, and a vigorous exercise of
authnnty by the Federal Executive had suppressed an insarreetion of
alarming extent
The distillation of molasses was chiefly carried on in the seaport towns,
particularly in New England. In this business, Massachusetts exceeded
all the other States together, and had, in 1183, no less than sixty distille-
ries The extent of the business is indicated by the quantity of molasses
imported into the United States, which amounted for the fiscal year to
the unusual number of 1,194,606 gallons. The total exports of Ameri-
can spnits in the same time were 513,234 gallons.
President Washington, having made a tour to the Southern States after
the adjonrnment of Congress, thus recorded his impressions of the favor-
able influence of the measures of Government upon the credit and.industry
of the country. "In my tour, I confirmed by observation the accounts
whicli we had all along received of the happy efi'ects of the General
,y Google
1791] THE riRST TARN — CABPBTS — PATTERSON FOUNDED. 31
Gciyernmcnt upoa Agriculture, Commerce and Industry. Tlic same
effects pervade the Middle and Eastern States, with the addition of rast
progress in the most useful manufactures."
The eyidences of progress are also referred to in his speech to tlie
second Congress, at its first assembling, and proof of public conridenoe
in the strength aad resources of the Government, was found in the fa*;t
that the whole subscription to the Bank of the United States was filled
in a single day.
Samples of the first yarn, and of the first cotton cloth made in America,
from the same warp, were presented, October 15th, to the Secretary of
the Treasury. A portion of it in the possession of Mr. Clay, in 1836,
was aa fine as Ko. 40.'
A manufactory of Turkey and Axminister carpets was in operation in
the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, conducted by William Peter
Sprague, who about this time wove a uational pattern, with a device
representing the crest and armorial achievements pertaining to the
United States.
A "Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufac-
tures,*' was formed in Kew York, under the presidency of Hon. Robert
R. Livittgston, whose name also appears among the patentees this year,
for a mechanical improvement in spindles.
Through the exertions of Alexander Ilamilton, an association of indi-
viduals in New York, Wew Jersey, and Pennsylvania, was also formed
for establishing f 1 f tures, by the subscription of 5000 shares,
of $100 each [_ f wh h ly 2G1 were fully paid up). With a view
to the establi hm t f f, at emporium of manufactures, and as a
primary object th f t e of cotton cloth, the company selected
tlie Falls of th P as th seat of their operations, the Great Pall?
haying been as t d t h e an elevation of 104 feet, and to be capa-
ble of driving IT 1 h t water-wheels, and the Little Falls four
miles above, a I 11 f 36 f t sufficient to drive T8 water-wheels. The
Society was fully organized at New Brunswick, under the following
directors; William Dner, John Dewhurst, Benjamin Walker, Nicholas
Low, Royal Flint, Elias Boudinot, John Bayard, John Neilson, Archi-
bald Mercer, Thomas Lowring, Georgo Lewis, More Fnrman, and
Alexander McComb. Mr. Duer was chosen the first govemor. The
company was incorporated by the Legislature of New Jersey under the
name of "The Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures,"
with extensive privileges, including a city charter, over a district six
miles square, then containing about ten houses, which tiiey named
(1) MomoirE of Slater, 89.
,y Google
IE FIRST PATENTS — TEADE MABKS, [1T91
Pattersox', in hoDOr of Judge William Patterson, the GoTcrnor of tbo
State. They invited and encouraged artizans and manufacturers to
settle there, by leasing water priTilegea and by aiding them with capital.
Though not at first suecesefal in their immediate pnrpoae, they became
the founders of that flourishing centre of industry, by attracting thither
artizans and manufacturers of different kinds, even from England and
Scotland, many of them having been engaged by Mr. Hamilton, at the
reqnest of the company, before the act of incorporation. (Vide A. B.
1194.}'
At least 32,000 tona of shipping were built in the United States this
year. The largest amount bnilt in any one year, before the war, was
26,544 tons.
The cotton crop of the United States was set down at about two
millions of pounds, of which one and a half millions were grown in South
Carolina, and half a million in Gfeorgia. The total export of American
cotton was 189,316 lbs., the average price of which, at the place of ex-
portation, (vas 26 cents per lb.*
The quantity of potash and pearlash manufactured this year in
Termont, was estimated at one thousand tons.' This was about one-
sixth of the whole amount exported from the TTnited States.
Tbefirstpateatsformachinesfor threshing grain and corn, were this year
granted (March II) to Samuel Mulliken of Philadelphia, who took out
fonr other patents at the same time, and (Aug. 3) to William Thompson
of Kichmond, Virginia. Patents were issued (Aug. 26) to Messrs.
James Rumsey, John Fiteh, Nathan Read, John Stevens, and Buglehnrt
Cruse, seyerallj for various modifications of steam apparatus, and for
the application of steam as a motive power to navigation, and other
economical uses, for which it began about this time to be employed in
this country. Several of the patentees had previously obtained exclusire
privileges from some of the State Legislatures. A machine for spinning
cotton by water power was patented (Dec. 31) by William Pollard of
Philadelphia, who pat it in operation ta that city, but did not succeed.
Mr, Jefferson, Secretary of State, to whom was referred the petition
of Samuel Breek and others, proprietors of a sail-cloth manufactory in
Boston, asking the exclusive privilege of using particular marks to desig-
nate their manufactures, reported that it would eondnco to fidelity in
manufactures to grant to each establishment the excinsive right to somo
mark on its wares proper to itself He recommended a, general law on
(1) Barber * Howe's Hisl. Ool!. of N. J. (2) Woodburj'a Treasury Rop. 1335-6.—
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1191] Hamilton's RErORT on MANUFACiuaES. 33
the subject, so far as it related to goods intended for exportation, over
wbicli alone Congress had jurisdiction.
In obedience to the resolution of the first Congress of January 15,
1790, Mr. Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, laid before the House
of Representatives his able and voluminous report on the subject of
Manufactures.
In collecting and analyzing the materials for that elaborate document,
the Secretary employed a great amount of industry, and all the energies
of an acnte, comprehensive, aad powerful mind. His labors resulted in
presenting to the nation such a broad yet circumstantial view of the
importance of this branch of the national industry in all its relations, its
resources, prospects,' and claims on the patronage of Congress, and in
sliaping such a system for its encouragement in harmony with all the
great interests of the country, as has seldom been furnished to any gov-
ernment. His able refutation of the current objections to the encour-
agement of manufactures, his vindication of their importance as a source
of public wealth and happiness, of the necessity of countervailing com-
mercial regulations, and his suggestions as to the best means of pro-
moting manufactures, all evince the clearest comprehension of the whole
subject, and an intimate knowledge of their existing coadition. The
paper is replete with calm and forcible reasoning, practical views, and
the soundest maxims of political economy, while it preserves a dignified
abstinence from those acrimonious and invidious references to the policy
of rival nations, which were sometimes heard from prominent members
in the national councils.
The Reportwasanobloappeal to the nation in behalf of a branch of the
public economy, which had a limited though increasing number of ardent
supportera, but of which the importance was not generally apprehended,
and was even the subject of considerable misapprehension. It well nigh
exhausted the arguments in defence of manafacturea, and its principles
and logic have formed a common resource for later reasoning on the
same subject. The remarkable forecast, and appreciation of the merits
of the subject displayed in guiding the legislative patronage into the
channel of manufactures, at a time when public occurrences in Europe
were about to lead enterprise and capital strongly in the direction of
commerce, ia the more conspicuous, inasmuch as the Secretary's previous
associations had been rather with the commercial than with the manu-
facturing classes. We regret that our limits do not permit us to present
in full, this fli-st Official Report on Manufactures, made to our govern-
ment— a State paper in many respects one of the ablest in the national
iirchives, and we are unwilling to mar ita general excellence, by lengthy
extracts, or any attempt at abridgment.
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34 PROGRESS IN THE IRON MANUFACTURE. [1T91
Many of tlic arguments, moreover, in fiivor of manufactures, whieli
wei'e novel then are axioms now. We must, however, advert to tlie fact,
that he scouts as miachievona and erroneous the idea of conflicting
interests between the Northern and Soutliern States. He sajs, " Ideas
of a contrariety of interests between t!ie Northern and Southern regions
of the Union," are, in the main, as anfounded as they are mischievous.
The diversity of circumstances, on wliich such contrariety is usually pre-
dicated, autliorizes a directly contrary conclusion. Mutual wants consti-
tute one of the strongest links of political connexion ; and the extent of
these bears a natural proportion to the diversity in the means of mutual
supply. Suggestions of an opposite complexion are ever to be deplored
as unfriendly to the steady pursuit of one great common cause, and to
the perfect harmony of all the parts." The unity of interest is shown
by reference to the demand wliici) would be created in the North for raw
materials, among which, cotton, indigo, lead, coal, hemp, flas, and
wool, were either peculiar to the South, or produced there in greater
abundance and of better quality. "The extensive cultivation of cotton,"
it is observed, "can, perhaps, hardly he expected, but from the previous
establishment of domestic manufactures of the article."
Iteferring the reader to the K-eport in full as given in Hamilton's
works, we shall limit our extracts mainly to the faeta which show the
progress which had been made in manufactures up to this period.
1. Iron. — Peculiar advantages and inducements for the prosecution
of the Iron manufacture, existed in the abundance and quality of nearly
every quality, and the plenty and cheapness of fuel, partieolarly charcoal.
Productive coal mines were already worked, and there were indications
of an abundance of coal in many other places. Proofs had been received
that manufactories of Iron, though generally understood to be extensive,
were much more so than commonly supposed. Several trades, of whieli
Iron was the basis, required but small capital. Iron works were carried
on more numerously, and more advantageously, than formerly, and the
price of Iron had risen, chiefly on that account, from about |64, the
average before the Revolution, to about $30,
In the manufacture of sleel considerable progress had been made, and
some new enterprises on a more extensive scale had been lately set on
f t Tl n d bt it could be made to supply all internal de-
m d d d bl urpins for exportation.
Th XT t 1 St t I ^dy in a great measure supplied themselves
w th 1 d [ k Th y were able and ought to do it entirely. The
firbt 1 m 1 1 b p ration was performed by water-mills, in which
b y w h fly pi 1, who thus acquired early habits of industry.
It t 1 tl n true that in certain parts of the country, the
,y Google
It91] MANUFACTUaES OP IRON, COPPER, LEAD- 35
nrnHns of naik w.b b» ocomionol t.milj m.nuf.clnre. The e^pefllency
of an aadition.1 d»ty on these ortleles, .as indic.teil b, Ih. fact thai .«
th. conrso of the je.t ending September 30, 1190, obo.t 1,800,000 lbs.
of them wete imported into the United Slate.. A dot, of two rants
per ponnd »onid prohaUj pnl an end to such an importation, a thing m
™r, wa, proper to b. done. An insp.etton of the articles intended
for exportation might bo desirable to .eeor. more care and honcstj tl.an
was observed in this and some other branches. Implements of hosbondry
„ero made in several States, and conid be made to supply the whole
country Edge tools of dilTerenl liinds were also made, and mnch hol-
lowware Althongh the bnsiness of costing wM leas perfect than might
be wished, it was improving, and as respectable capitals were engaged
in this and other infant branches of the Iron mannfaclnre, they might all
be soon acquired. .
iHanofactorics of lire arms and other military weapons already existed,
which only required « certain demand m order to supply the whole
United States. It would aid them and be a means of puWic safety if
a certain quantity were purchased annuallv to form aisenols in which
a competent supply should always be kept It might become des.raile
to eslaWisll manufactories of all necessary weapons on goveinmont
account, aceordlng to the re.sonoWe piaetice if other natims It
appeared improvident to leave the Instiument^ of national defeni-e to the
casual enterprise of individuals. It seemed one of the few eiceptions
to tho general rule that government manufactures were to be av oi led
2 COPPBB,— Ma nfacturcs of th s article (including those ot 1 rrss)
were also of great extent an 1 »t 1 ty The material was a natai ai pi o
duction of the count y and m nes ot it had been piofitably wio ight It
could be obtained easdvanl cheaply fiom Ohio Coipersniths and
brass-founders, parte larly the former were nnmeroa. and some of
them carried on extensively.
3 LsAO—Abounded in the United States and could he made to
more than supply the domestic demand A priliSo mine of it had long
been wrought in southwestern Virginia anl under pul lie administiation
yielded considerable supplies dnviiig the late war It was now m the
haod. of individuals, who not only cairied it on with spirit but had
established manufactories of it at Richmond
3 Fossn. Coal— Was important as an instrument of manufacture
for household fuel, and a, an article of freight coast vise as signdly
exemphfied in Sreat Britain. Soveril coal m nes were w. rlied in Til
giaia, and there were appearances of deposit, in many places A bonntv
on coal of home production, and picmiums f jr opening new mmes il
i.Google
36 COAL — WOOD — SKINS — GRAIN. [1791
thought necessary or useful, were warranted by the importance of the
article.
i. Wood. — Several manufactories of this article flourished in the
United States. Ships were nowhere built in greater perfection, and
cabinet- wares, generally, were made ]ittlc, if at all inferior, to those of
Europe. Their extent was snch as to have admitted of considerable
exportation. An exemption from duty of ail woods nsed in manufactures,
seemed to be all tliat was required, and was the policy of other rations.
An early and systematic preservation of the stock of timber and maga-
zines of ship-timber were desirable.
5. Skins. — Pew mannfaetories were of greater importance. They
were recommended by tlieir inflnence on agriculture in promoting the
raising of cattle. In the principal branches, the progress was sach as
nearly to defy foreign competition. Tanneries were carried on, both as
& regular business, and as an incidental family maanfaeture. Farther
enconragement, by an increased duty on manufactories of leather, and by
prohibiting the exportation of bark, which, in consequence of exportation,
it was alleged, had risen in price within a few years from three to four and
a half dollars per cord, seemed to be expedient, although it was not cer-
tainly BO. The rise in price of bark was more probably due to increased
home demand and d ra n h 1 pi ly, than to exportation. One species
of bark being in som t p 1 to the United States, and the material
a valuable dye in s m m ufa tu es in which the United States had
begun a competition as m 1 an additional reason for a prohibition,
and the importance f th I tl h anch might justify increased duties.
Glue, which was rated at fi^o per cent, , might be subjected to an excluding
duty, with benefit to this branch It was raadt in great quantities and
like paper, was in entire CLonomy of matenali otherwise useless
G. GEAI^f — Manufactuies of several lands of grain weie entitled to
peculiar favor both as being connected with snbsistence and the suppoit
of agricnlture A general system of lu'ipection for flour in iW dtme^tic
ports, wonldnnprsvi, it's quality and lepttjtion, but difhtulties btood in
the way of it Next to flour ardent ipiuts ind malt hquirs ot which
the former were made extensively and the latter to a con iderable extent,
were the principal manufactures of grain and the eTclusive home market
for both should be seenred as fast as possible Existing I'iws had done
much towaid this but additional duties on ioioign distilled spirits and
ipalt liquors and perhaps an abatement of those on domestic spiiits
would more effectually seonre it An increased duty would benefit the
distillers of molasses as well The pnue of molasses h'kd been for some
years successively rising in the West Indies owing partly to fresh com-
petition, partly to ioLreiscd aemand in this conntrv; and the late dis-
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1191] GRAIN — LTQUOItS — FLAX — HEMP. 31
turbances in the islands would enhance it still more. This high price,
and the duty of three cents per gallon, rendered it diOicuIt for the distillers
to compete with West India rum, which was of snpeiior quality. Hence,
a greater difference ia the duties on foreign and -domestic spirits was
deemed proper even by the most candid distillers. Geneva, or giu, was
extensively consumed in this country, and distilleries of it, though but re-
cently growtt to any importance, were becoming of consequence, and re-
qnired protection. The smaller coat of some materials, and of labor, in
Holland ; the large capital employed in the business there, and other cir-
cumstances, rendered it difficult for distillers, under the present duty, to
compete with the foreign article. An addition of two cents per gallon on
foreign spirits of the first class of proof, and a proportionate increase in
those of higher proof, was therefore recommended, and a deduction of
one cent per gallon on domestic spirits of the first proof, and a pro-
portionable deduction ia the higher classes of proof.
By far the greater part of malt liquors consumed in the United States
was the produce of domestic breweries. The whole should, and probably
could be supplied by them. In quality, though inferior to the best, they
were equal to the greater part of those usually imported. A growing
competition, increased by whateTer would attract capital into that channel,
would still improve them. A duty of eight cents per gallon generally,
in lieu of the existing duty, would be a decisive enconragement, and
probably banish the inferior qualities ; and with a prohibition of all im-
portation, except in casks of considerable capacity, would ultimately
supplant all foreign malt liquors,
7. FiAX AND Hemp. — The importance of the linen branch to agri-
culture ; its effects in promoting household industry ; the ease with which
the materials could be produced at home, and the great advances made
in the coarser fabrics, especially in families, constituted claims of peculiar
force to the patronage of Government. This patronage could be ren-
dered by promoting the growth of materials, by restraining foreign
competition and by direct bounties or premiums upon the home manu-
factures.
As to hemp, something had been done in the first mode, by a high
duty on foreign hemp, and on the whole, was not perhaps exceptionable.
Bounties or premiums seemed either too expensive, or too unequal toward
different parts of the Union, and were otherwise attended with practical
difBculties. With regard to foreign competition, duties on imports were
the most obvious expedients. Sail cloth already employed a flourishing
factory at Boston, and several promising ones in other places.
8. Cotton. — There was something in the texture of this material
which adapted it in a peculiar degree to the application of machinery.
,y Google
SS COTTON CL'LTURE AND MASXJFACTTJKE. C^''^^
The signal uLilitj of the lately invented cotton-mill had been noticed,
bnt other machines of scarcely leas utility were employed on it with
exclusive, or more than ordinary effect. This circnmstance particularly
I'ecommeiided cotton fabrics, to a country deficient in hands. The variety
and extent to which the manufactares of this article are applicable still
farther recommended them.
A vigorous pursuit of the cotton branch in its several subdivisions was
still farther recommended by the faculty of the United States to produce
the raw material of a quality which, though alleged to be inferior to
some, was capable of being used in many fabrics, and would probably by
more esperienced cnlture be cirried to much greatPr p f t'
I dd t t wh t h d b p iy t t 1 t as d th t
S ty w 1 m th j t 1 wh 1 t ! t 1 w Id I
t d d t h If m 11 f d 51 d m ft. t f
1 Igltl k£:dptgfttj,d
Th m t 1 t 1 tl p p t f b t ! 1
11 h i; t mltpppr 1 yt
t! fulp t ftl ft q t TI p t
(i ty f th ee tA 0 ott b f J Th j
tdyfdt tl gdmft It)
1 1 ty p t g tl 1 f th m t 1 b f ltd
t C tt h d t tl 1 m 1 m] b t g lly
tl gh t th t y I t t t 1 t 1 k
fib d bt t t d f tl q
f-u,t It Id h w t
th f 11 b fit f ti 1 t te 1
I 1 11 1 d p d I I t km
m d gr t t f dft
was therefore recommended. A more encouraging substitute would be
a bounty on the national cotton when wrought at home, and an addi-
tional bounty on exportation. The British bounty on coarse linens
Applied also to certain kinds of cotton goods of similar value. One cent
per yard, of a, given width, on all goods of cotton, or cotton and linen,
made in the United States, with one cent additional per poimd on the
material, when of domestic growth, would be a considerable aid both to
the production and manufacture. The magnitude of the object would
justify the expense. The printing and staining of cottons was a distinct
business. It was easily accomplished, and added much to the value of
white goods, and deserved to be encouraged, A drawback of the whole
q Hy
1 t tl
f th
f t
t
f
I
t
wf 1
as tl
P
1 A
d
1 1
I
ftl
t
d
t
ty
i.Google
1T91] MANurAorrEBS of cotton and wool — hats. 39
0!' part of the duty on imported white cottons, would be a powerful en-
couragement until such time as there was a domestic supply. The duty
of seven and a half per cent, on certain kinds of cottons, if extended to
all goods of cotton, or principally cotton, would probably counterbalance
the effect of the proposed drawback on the fabrication.
" Manufactures of cotton goods not long since established at Beverly,
in Massachusetts, and at Providence, in the State of Khode Isiand, and
condacted with a perseverance corresponding with the patriotic motives
which began them, seem to have overcome the first obstacles to success;
producing corduroys, velverets, fustians and 'jeans, and other similar
articles, of a quality which would bear a comparison with the hlse articles
brought from Manchester. The tP d 1 d tliement of being
the first to introdnce into the TJ t d St t th lb ted cotton-mill,
which not only furnishes mate If th t m factory itself, but
for tile supply of private faniilie f h 1 Id m f tui'e."
Other manufactures of the s m m t 1 as g, I businesses, had
also been begun at different pi th &t t f C nectieut, but ali
upon a smaller scale than those b m t d S m essays were also
making in the printing and stain g f tt d There were several
BQiall establiehinents of this kind aheadj on foot.
9, Wool. — In a, climate like ours, the woolen branch could not be re-
garded as inferior to any which relates to the clothing of the inhabitants.
Household manufactures of this material were carried on to a very
interesting extent. But tlie only branch which could be said to have
acquired maturity, was the making of hats. Hats of wool, and of wool
and fur, were made in large quantities in different States, and materials
only were wanting to render tlie manufacture equal to the demand.
"A promising essay toward the fabrication of cloths, eassimeres, and
other woolen goods, is likewise going oii at Hartford, in Connecticut.
Specimens of the diiferent kinds which are made, in the possession of the
Secretary, evince tliat these fabrics have attained a very considerable
degree of perfection. Their quality certainly surpasses any thing that
cottld have been looked for in so short a time, and under so great dis-
advantages ; and conspires with the scantiness of the means which have
been atthecommamd of the directors, to form theeulogiumof that public
spirit, perseverance and judgment, which have been able to accomplish
To promote an abundant supply of wool, would probably best serve to
cherish and promote this precious embryo. To encourage the raising
nnd improving thebreed of sheep for this end would be the most desirable
expedient, but miglit not he sufficient, as it was yet doubtful whether our
wool was capable of being rendered fit for the finer fabrics. Premiums
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4 0 SILK— OLASS — aUNPOWDER — PAPER, [1791
woqH best promote tlie domestic, and bounties the foreign supply. The
first might be accomplished by an institution to be hereafter submitted.
The last required specific legislation. A fund for the purpose of duties
could be derived from an addition of two and a half per cent, to the present
rate of duty on carpets and carpeting, which might encourage some
beginnings already made toward their manafacturo at home,
10. Silk — la produced with great facility in the United States.
Some pleasing essays were made in Connecticut. Stockings, handker-
chiefs, ribbons and buttons were made, though as yet in small quantities.
A manufactory of lace oil* a scale not very extensive, had been long
memorable at Ipswich, in Massachnsetts. An exception of the materials
from the present duty on importation, and premiums upon the production,
to be dispensed under the direction of the institution before alluded to,
seem to be tlie only encouragement advisable at so early a stage.
11. Glass. — The materials of glass are everywhere found. In the
United States, there was no deficiency. The sands and stories called
larso, which include flinty and crystalline substances generally, and the
salts of various plants, particularly of the sea-weed Kali, or Kelp, were
the essential ingredients. Fuel was abundant for snch manufactures.
They however required large capitals and mnch manual labor. Different
maunfactures of glass were on foot in the United States, and received
considerable encouragement in the duty of two and a half per cent. If
more was given, a bounty on window-glass and black bottles would be
the most proper. Bottles were an important item in breweries, and a
deficiency was complained of.
12. Gunpowder, — No small progress had been made of late in the
manufacture of this important article. It ought to be considered as
already established, but its high importance renders its extension desira-
ble. Its present encouragement was a duty of ten per cent, on the rival
article, and the free admission of saltpetre. It would be proper also to
exempt sulphur from duty, as little had been as yet produced from
internal sources. Its use in finishing the bottoms of ships was a farther
reason. To regulate its inspection would also have a favorable tendency,
13. Papeh, — Manufactures of paper were among those which had
arrived at the greatest maturity and were most adequate to national
supply. Profitable progress had been made in Paper hangings. This
branch was adequately protected by the duty on imported articles, in the
list of which shooting and cartridge paper were however omitted, and
being simple manufactures necessary to military supply, and in ship-
building, were equally entitled to encouragement with other kinds.
14. Feinted Books. — The great number of presses in the United
States, was sufficient to render us independent of foreign countries for
,y Google
1^91] HAMILTON S REPORT. *1
lie printing of the liookB used in the conntrj. The biuiness woulS he
aided by a doty of tea per cent, instead of five, as now charged. The
dileteace, it was conceived, would have no anfavorable tendency upon
the supply of books to families, schools, and other seminaries of learniilg.
With the wealthier classes of professional men, the difference of pi-lce
would be little felt ; but books imported for the use of particular semi-
naries and public libraries, shoiJd be totally ciempted A constant and
universal demand for books in general family use, would stimulate to an
adequate domestic supply, for which the means were ample, and ul-
timately woidd probably cheapen them. To encourage the printing of
books would also encourage the manufacture of paper.
15. BiFiNio SooAii AB) OHOcoiAiE—Wero among the extensive and
prosperous domestic manufactures. Drawbacks of the materials used in
cases of exportation, would benefit the manufacturer and conform to the
precedent, in the ease of molasses, and distilled spirits. Cocoa paid
a duty of' one cent per pound, while chocolate, which was a prevailing
and very simple manufacture, was rated at only five per cent. Two cents
per pound on chocolate it was presumed would not be inconvenient
In regard to the meuiures thus proposed, it WM mgJBSted that
although bounties were difficult to manage and liable to frauds, these
objections were more than countervailed by their advantages when rightly
applied. They had been shown to be indispensable in some eases, par-
ticularly in the infancy of new enterprises. They should however bo
dispensed with great circumspection. They should be confined to regular
manufactories and not to incidental or family manufactures. A dimmn-
tion of revenue might be feared by the arrangements submitted. "But
there is no truth which may be more firmly relied upon, than that the
interest! of the revenue are promoted by whatever promotes an inorea.e
of nalional industry and wealth." The measures proposed would proba-
bly for some time to come, rather augment than reduce the public revenue.
The addiUonal duties to be laid, should be appropriated in the fast
instance to replace all defalcations arising from an abobtion or diminu-
tion of duties pledged for the public debt The surplus would serve :
First To constitute a fund for paying the bounties which shall have
been decreed. Secondly To constitute a fund for the operations of a
board, to be established for promoting arts, agriculture, manufactures
and commerce.
An outline of the plan of this institution, of which different intima-
tions were given in the Report, was briefiy as follows—
To set apart an annual sum under the management of three or more
commissioncri, composed of certain oUiccrs of government and their suc-
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42
HAMILTON'S PLAN FOa PROMOTING I
[U91
Tlie commissioners were to apply the fnnd to defray tlie expenses of
tlie emigration of artists and manufacturers in particular branches of extra-
ordinary importance ; to promote by rewards the prosecution and intro-
dnctioa of useful discoveries, inventions, and improvements ; to encourage
by honorary and lucrative premiums, the exertions of individuals and
classes in relatiou to objects they were charged with promoting ; and to
afford such othe
by law.
The com
disburseme t
to the treas y
tions for sp fl
The gov
skillful wo km
retarded p t
useful impi n
The ope t
of certain ] 1
Th y
e objects as may generally be des
d annual account of transactions and
p[ Ij d at the end of three years, to revert
J ght b utborised to receive voiuntarj contribn-
t w ved, might thus aid in supplying
I w t f wl h, there was reason to believe, had
m ft and in importing and stimulating
g wh h machinery was an important item,
p had 1 een favorably illustrated in the ease
d p t cieties, of which the Pennsylvania
1 f infactures and useful arts was an
f 1 w t limited to produce more than a verj-
d t h ch its principles would have led.'
tly fii m d that there is scarcely any thing
1 b tt 1 ulated to excite a general spirit of
improvement than institutions of this nature. They are truly invaluable. "
" In countries where there is great private wealth, much may be
effected by the voluntary contributions of patriotic individuals ; but in a
community situated like that of the United States, the public purse
roust supply the deficiency of private resources. In what can it be so
useful as in promoting and improving the efforts of industry f"
example, altl
small porti
"It may 1
which has I
The Ueport of the Secretaiy, so unequivocal in its principles, and so
lucid and ample in its reasoning, created very general satisfaction among
the friends of American industry. It infused new energy into many
branches of manufactures, and induced the mechanical classes to enlarge
and diversify their operations. A disposition too generally prevailed
at the time, to ascribe undue influence to the measures of government in
(1) In our first rolume we 1
lave savaral
quently referred In, nnd unqiTestioua
limes ttdverteii to the iofluoiice
. of tbis So-
everted rowoh influence upon the progr
ciety, OB well oe to that of one
of Agrionlrars, Chemistry, Meebanics, t
kindred ehnmoter in this oo
Ontry. Tba
otiier depnrtments of tte useful and 1
premiutng, bonorary rewards, a
nd other of-
»ts in England and her colonies.
foct3 of tlie London Society, i
ire iilso fre-
ibly
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1Y91J UAmLTON'S REPORT CONCLUDED. 43
dotermimng tlie success of manufactures, which ill general is far more
dependent upon the aggregate of ini3ividual enterprise and skill. The
proposition embodied in tbe Report to give direct enconragement to
manafacturing enterprises, and especially the plan to whicU he was be-
lieved to be zealously devoted, to establish under a charter from the
State of New Jersey, a large manufacturing corporation, was regarded
with jealousy by some manufacturers. The special privileges and aid
to be accorded snch societies, were complained of as subversive of
private interests, by securing to large raonied and privileged monopolies
an unjust advantage in regard to raw materials, and profits in certain
branches of business. The project of a joint stocit company, to be
incorporated for manufacturing purposes by the State of Maryland, was
opposed for the same reason.
The publication of the Report in England, eariy in the following year,
also created much alarm in the manufacturing districts. Meetings were
called in many of the towns, and fifty thousand pounds are said to have
been subscribed at a single meeting in Manchester, to be invested in
English goods, for the purpose of overstocking the American market,
ftnd thereby disuouraging the newly excited hopes of manufacturers.'
In lien of the drawback on salt intended for the fisheries allowed by
the act of 20th July, 1189, Congress authorized the payment, during,
seven years, of one dollar per ton, to fishing boats under twenty
^'^* tons ; one dollar and fifty cents per ton, on vessels of twenty to
thirty tons; and two dollars and fifty cents per ton, on vessels above
thirty tons ; the allowance to each not to exceed one hundred and seventy
dollars. Toward the close of the session an additional bounty of twenty
per cent, was allowed on vessels engaged in the Bank or other cod-
fishery.'' By these acts, navigation and ship-building were greatly pro-
moted.
Petitions were received and read in Congress, from the tanners of
New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, praying relief from the
inconveniences sufi'ercd by the erection of mills to grind tanners' bark
for exportation, representing that a patent had recently been granted to
an individual in England, for the importation of oak bark for dyeing ai^d
tanning, whose agents in the difi'erent States were paying on an average
for shaved bark, from ten to thirteen dollars per cord, and that this
increase in the price of bark, from three to four dollars and a half per
(1) AJdreaa of Amorlann Booiaty, for to (he people of the Djiited States, Dec. 31,
cnoouragement of Domestic Manufaetures, 1816.
(2) Laws uf United States.
,y Google
PETITIONS — FIBBT MINT — TABIEF. [1T92
cord, which it had been for seTeral years previously, must injure or
prevent the maaafacture of leather, which, in the "United States, was an
important branch. A committee, in consequence, recommended an
increase of the duties on leather and shoes.' The export of ground oak
bark for the year ending; Sept. 30, was two thousand nine hundred and
twenty-one hogsheads, against one thousand and forty the previous year.
Some preliminary steps having been authorized by the first Congress,
a code of laws was adopted (April 2), for the establishment of a Mint,
at the seat of government, (Philadelphia), and the regulation of the
coins of the XTnited States. The officers were to be a Director, Assayer,
Chief Coiner, Engraver, and Treasurer. Bullion brought to the mint,
was to be assayed and coined free of expense, or exchanged on the spot
for coin with a deduction of one half per cent. Dr. David Rittenhouse
was the first Director. The Mint was established in Seventh street
above Market, where a portion of the building still remains, in which it
was conducted for about forty years. The power first used in the
coining department, was that of four or five horses, which gave place to
a steam engine after the partial dcstraction of the building by fii'e in 1815.
As the most feasible mode of meeting the expenses of the Army,
which, since the defeat of St. Clair, had been augmented for the defence
of the frontier, the Secretary of the Treasnry made a report recom-
mending a temporary increase of the duties on imports, by an addition
of two and a half per cent, to manufactured articles which then paid five
per cent This measure, however much to be regretted as an increased
burthen upon commerce, and on account of the disadvantages of frequent
change, Mr. Hamilton hoped might succor and aid the manufac-
turing spirit, already more extensively prevalent than ever before, and.
thus "serve to promote essentially the industry, the wealth, the
strength, the independence and the substantial prosperity of the country,"
In near conformity with his recommendations, additional duties were
granted by a new act, May 2, raising the average rate of duties to about
thirteen and a half per cent. In apportioning the rates, regard appears
to have been had to the spirit of the Secretary's Report on Manufactures.
Mr. Madison and some others, who had formerly opposed the duty on
liemp and cordage, as injurious to the navigation interests, now sup-
ported an increase, as at once a protection to Manufactures and
Agriculture. Copper in pigs and bars, lapis caliminaris, unmanufactured
wool, wood and sulphur, were to the same end added to the free list.
Cotton was originally added to the same list, and some Massachusetts
and Pennsylvania members desired to retain it there, as an article
(I) AmericBD State Papors.
i.Google
1793] AOEICnLTUEAL AND CHEMICAL SOCIETIES. 45
needful to their raanufactares, and only to be obtained from abroad.
The old duty of three cents per pound, was allowed to remain upon the
assurances of Southern members, that it was raised in South Carolina
in abtindance and of good quality, and that there was no market for it.
To render the excise law more acceptable, a reduction was also made
1 V a new act of from sne to seven cents per gallon, according to preof
inci mateiidl u ed uyon <ipirits di'^tilled within the United States. The
highest rate was fixed ^t twenty five cents, and the lowest at seven cents
per gallon The owners of small countiy stills of less capacity singly or
together than four huidied gallons were to pay fifty-fonr cents per
gallon yearly on the capacity of their stills, or if they preferred it, seven
cents per gallon on the product or ten cents monthly upon the capacity
of the still with the pnvilege of taking out a license for one month
instead of a year, a provision which greatly alleviated their burthens.
Among the most nseful of the numerous societies organized toward
the close of the last century for the advancement of Agriculture and the
Useful Arts, was the "Massachusetts Society for promoting Agriculture,"
rp t d M hi f tl ) By a judicious use of its funds in
hll I \\ hbt ff g ards for the encouragement of
It d tl t. rar g mproved agricultural implements
dbd ftk dmh yto serve as models for manufac-
trs d 11 tg Id nating information through its
t h 1 1 ke servit-ablo to agriculture and
t A Chemical Society" was formed in
1 g e an account of them, and en-
f t i h m 1 It was under the patronage of
e M
d p bl
fb
b 1
PI 1 d
Ipl t
tl
1 S
jb I i
B,
B I b
t d
tt il t
A t
Pl
d 1 f \[ 1 1, American manufactures were
tl t k 1 m
d f PI 1 d If h to Lancaster, a distance of sisty-
tw m I — th fi t [ t f this kind in the United Slates —
mm d J bj p t company. Two thousand two
1 d d 1 ty h w sold, and thirty dollars paid on
h h b t tw 1 h Tl shares being limited by law to
h d 1 d 11 1 tt 7 t tuted to redace the subscriptions
t th 1 I, 1 b Th w k w ompleted in 1194, at a cost of
$465 000 d tl d was ft w d i aved with stone and subsequently
Macadamized.
Tlie itev. Dr. Stiles, of Connecticut, was shown a silk gown belonging
to Eev. Mr. Atwater of Branford, manufactured throughout in his own
family from material raised by him, being the first article of the kind
of purely domestic production in the United States, In January of the
,y Google
46 K s— PEE [179
J. 1 w p t 1 t Ik t t 1
t^ h thttt Immd tU
1 1 dk I f 1 t ^ tl fi lU wh h gS 1 1 1 h If
?_1 tl m d f Ik d ^ w H 1 A fl fi 1 i
& 11 f b t f 1 h g bi Ik f lit n
d 1 i,ht d f t ! w ti my p 1 w f m
nt ntlfmlyfMBdfc tBl 0 ftli
f d 1 b! k as t d d f th 1 dj f G 1 Wtsh gt b t
f m t p t d
t'hmft fL llw mm dtBtM d
f mb f y f m 1 t k t tl tl 1111
f 1 ] ! d m y g 11 f 1 It l 1 1 1 1 Ij 1 t
til t Id d L a 2 3d t 2 4U
Th P t t L f 1T90 a. p 1 i 1 w 1 1 d (P I
21 ) 1 b g tl f It t I 1 d b 1 tt
p t t tl fel ta f t i th f t b t 1 wl h
^'^^^ w fi a t tt ty d II 1 f h g f p f
p p <] VI e
I M 1 th S e ety f the i m tio f XT efiil A t f tl e State
of New York was incorporated, and Lad its charter renewed 2d Apnl,
1804. Early in the same year "The Lehigh Coal Mine Company" was
formed to work the anthracite coal, recently found at Manch Chank, Pa.
Aboat this time Aimy, Brown & Slater, of Providence, built at
Pawtucket a small cotton mill, (the first built by them, and long known
83 the Old Factory,) in which seventy-two spindles were employed,
which were gradually increased as prospects became more encouraging.
Into this mill Slater introduced such regulations as hia experience in
England taught him would most conduce to the comfort and efficiency
of the operatives, and the success of the establishment. Among these
was the system of Sab bath -school instruction, which had been twelve
years or more in use in England, and for some years in the mills of Messrs.
(1 ) HolmaB' Anoflla ; Blydenburg'fl Silk- as 1715 in Now York, and in 1718 oil was
vol 7 produced in CoQnectieut by John PrOHt, Jr.
C2)'Tho altentiongiven tolherniaingof The MoraTians, Tunkers, und otbars in
fiax aoBd for oxjiortation in eolooiol times, PennayWiiniii also, erected oil niilla iit an
caused the Odtly erection of oUmil!a,«hioii early date, and in 17B6 there were four
in some slotes and particuliitly in interior within a few miles of Lancnstar. Seveial
towna, remote from mnrltel, became quite in Wiucheatar, Virginia, at the same dale,
numeiMua. The exportation of seed and piud 2b. and 2a.6d. a bushel for flax seed,
aiao its manufacture into oil, was encour- A writer in 17S9 auggceted ila use for
aged by vjirions menaurea of the looal legia- making aoap, as it sold in Philadelphia for
Jatures. Oil making was at this time on 4d. the pound, and for mucli lesB In the in-
the inareosi!. It was commonaed as early terlor towns.
i.Google
1193] PiaST SABBATH-BCnOOL AND MECHANICS' LIBHAEY. 47
Stratt and Arkwright, in Derbyshire. These, which were the first of the
kind in New England, as well as public worship and day schools, often
supported at his owu expense, were encouraged in connection with ail the
mills in which be was subsequently interested. This exerted a favorable
influence upon the moral and intellectual character of the work-peopJe,
which in Wew England factories has ever since been well sustained. '
Condaeive to the same end, was the establishment this year of a
Mechanics' Library, in New Hayen, Conn. ; one of the earliest of these
useful institutions.
A subscription to the amount of $35,000 was about this time mode in
the territory south of the Ohio, for the purpose of carrying on the
cottoa mannfacture. The population of the territory was only 30,000
whites and 5,000 blacks.
The caterpillar, (noctua xylina,) cotton moth or chenille insect, which
in 1788 destroyed 280 tons of cotton in the Bahamas, and afterward
caused the culture of the gossypium to be abandoned in several of the
West India Islands, first made its appearance this year in Georgia.
It caused nearly a total destruction of the crop. From one field of 400
acres only eighteen bags were made.^
Committees of Congress to whom were referred petitions of tiie
manufacturers of cordage, twines, lines, and pack-thread, in Philadelphia
and Providence, and of printers and booksellers in Philadelphia,
reported that the former branch was a most important manufacture iu
the United States, whether considered in reference to commerce and
navigation, or the number of persons it employed. The exports of
cordage were considerable and would probably increase. They recom-
mended an allowance to exporters of domestic cordage eqniralent to the
duty on hemp, and an increased duty on cod or other lines. In addition
to many paper mills then running, several large ones were building, and
in preference to a reduction of duty on printers' paper, which the peti-
tioners said was inconveniently scarce, they recommended that rags be
exempted from duty on importation.
The political revolution in France having brought on a declaration
of war against England and Holland, was followed during the early
(1) White'a Mem. of Slalflp.-Tlie general Hoeoker iind otliavB or the Gatrann Savenll,
Introdnotion of Sabbath -school 3 is believed Day Baptists, whose sohool-boiiBa woa uebiI
to have done mnoh to prepare (he way for as a liospilal after the battle of BraodjitiiiB.
Moehaaioa' iQsUtQtions. Those established A Sundny-school Society, under tliB preai.
by Slater have bean spoken of as the first denoy of Bishop White, was instituted in
in America. But a Sunday-sohool, proba- Philadelphia in 1791, and inoofporated in
biy the ftrst in the world, was opened some 37S8.
years before the RBvolution at Bphrata, in (2) Soabrook'a Memoir of tha Cotton
Jjanoaater Co., Penusylranla, by Ludwig Plant.
i.Google
48 GROWTH OF COMMERCE — VINE COMPANY — WHITNEY. I_1793
part of the year, by treaties between Great Britain, Russia, Spain,
Prussia, and Germany, prohibiting the esportatioa of military and naval
stores, grain and other proviaions, from their ports to those of France.
The proclamation by General Washington of strict neutrality in the
contest, and the opening of tbe French colonial ports, enabled the
United States to engross nearly the whole of the carrying trade of
Europe, and gave an immense impulse to the foreign commerce and
agriculture of the United States. The increased demand and high price
daring the next twenty years, of agi'ieultnral productions and shipping^
attracted an unusual amount of capita) into these branches, and in the
same proportion witbdrew it from manufacturing enterprises, with the
exception of ship-building, which was increased to a degree unparalleled
in any age or country. The tonnage of the United States at the close
of this year, exceeded that of any other nation except Great Britain ;
and the increase alone of registered shipping, during the nest fifteen
years, amounted to 480,573 tons. In proportion to population, the
United States bad already taken rank as the most commercial nation.
ItB trade, in point of Talne, was only second to that of Great Britain.
The exports were estimated at $33,036,233, an increase of more than one
fourth 0¥er those of 1792, and they continued to increase during the war.
Peter Leganx, a Frenchman, having in 1787 commenced a vineyard
with 150 plants from Burgundy and Champagne, at Spring Mill' on the
Bchnylkill, in Montgomery county, had at this date 18,000 foreign and
native vines growing. In consequence of his success, and upon his
representations, the Legislature of Pennsylvania passed an act, to con-
tinue in force twenty years, authorizing the Governor to incorporate
"The President, Managers, and Company, for promoting the cultivation
of vines" in the state, so soon as 500 shares of twenty dollars each had
been subscribed. Commissioners were appointed to open subscriptions,
bnt failing to obtain the full amount, the time was extended by sub-
sequent acts nntil 1802, when the company was organized with Mr.
Legaux as chief vintner. '
EU Wliitney having, in ?Jovember of the last year, turned his attention
to the construction of a machine for cleaning cotton, completed his first
working model of the saw gin. The cylinder was only two feet two
inches in length and six in diameter. It was turned by hand by one
poi-son, and was capable of cleaning fifty pounds (after separation) of
green seed cotton in a day. Mrs. Greene, the generous patron of the
invention and the first instigator of the contrivance, eager to communi-
cate the knowledge of an invention so important to the state, of which
(1) Laws of PenjipylvMLJa, chaps. 1,653, 1,BS4, 2,110, 2,180.
,y Google
1193J wHirNBY's ocrrotJ gin. i9
tie m il Pts wcio tlirn glutted with ill the Dr^nir> slajlfi xi 1 tlie
negroc without emjloymeat m ted to her hause gentlemen from
diffeient jarts of the state The day after the i anivil she conducted
them to a tempoiiiy Isiillmg elected toi the marline and thej '«aw
with dehgtt and abtcnibhmeit that more cott n co ild be sepiratod in
one day by a single hand than could be done by thi, o dinary mo le in
many months Its sueccia beino no 1 n^er doubtful Mr Ihineas
MiUei the husband of Mrs Greene (,also of Connecticut and i
graduite of "1 lie College) and the frionl and p itroa of Wliitnej
entered mto co partnership with him for the purpose of maturing and
patenting the machine at the expense of Mi Miller The irticles pio
vided that the p oflrs and emolument? to be deriTtd fr m patent n^
making veiling and woiimg the same should be mutuilly md equally
shaied between then They immediately attei c mmenced bu'^meii
Mr Whitney having repaued at oulc to Connecticut to complete the
machine obtain a patent anl tmnuficture and ship to Qeoigia ai many
machines as would s ipply the demand Application for a patent was
made to Mr. Jefferson, then Secretary of State, who promised to grant
It so soon as the model was lodged in the patent office. An affidavit of
the invention w&s also filed, with the notary public of the city of New
Haven. But the patent was not issued until the following March.
Before this, however, and ere the inventor had reached Connecticut, in
consequence of the imprudent exhibition of the machine above referred
to in 1 the intense exc teraent create! enc oachme ts uf a the r ghts
of the prop etors had il eady co nmenced Intell ge ce of the inven
t 0 had spre d far and w de throngho it the state and multitulei came
fron "ill parts to see it Tb s prvlege leng p overly len ed them
unt 1 a patent coal ! 1 e ecnred son e of the i o] ula e unrest a ned \y
law or J st e b oke i to the b ling lyn^ht anl earr ed off the
maci ne A n ail er of g n th si ght eva. ve dev at ons f om tl e
0 g nal were con tructed and i ut n ope at on bef re the [.atent vas
obta ned A ser es of vholesale depredat ons up n tl e r „1 1 o t! e
invent of wh ci tl ere are few ch ex n i les on re nrd was now
c ran en ed nd rece ve 1 1 ttle let e the fro n the g at tude o tl e
moral se se of the conm nty The nfo tunate ar angcn ent of
Wl tney and M Her t ward the close of tl e year to erect g n through
out the cotton d ata t and engros the ! us ess of g nning for a toll of
0 e th rd n teal of sell ng tl e macl e and patent r j,hts st n lated
tl e SI r t of infr nfement Tl e oi erit on w a to eiten ve an 1 on
1 1 oated f the means of the propr eto -s and w s unsat fa torv to tl e
planter 4.S a monopoly t f rn shed a prete\t an 1 a na ket f r an
Ue^al ul t er of the n a ! ne wl ch ult mately nvol e 1 the
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60 AMERICAN COTTON — COMBS. [1793
jatent in more ttan sixty expensive and annojing lawauits; and
con j 11 1 Whitney, early to abandon all hopea of compensation for hia
in alnable discovery, eapecially in Georgia, and to find a more profitable
exerc e of hia talents in another field. He afterward met, however, a
mo e generous appreciation of the value of hia invention in other states. '
Previous to this time, as appears from a letter of Moses Brown of
Providence, to J. S. Dexter, Nov. 1T91, American cotton had been so
badly cleaned, that Samuel Slater could not be induced to use it, and
obtained his supply under the charge of tlie impost from the West
Indies. Mr. Brown suggested that some eucoaragement be given to the
raising and cleaning of cotton fit for the mauufaetarer.
The manufacture of combs was carried on to considerable perfection
and profit, at Leominster, Mass. Two or three manufacturers together
employed constantly ten and occasionally twenty hands, who made about
6,000 dozens annually. One manufacturer, Jonathan Johnson, em-
ployed five men, who made yearly 2,500 dozens. Ivory combs of
excellent quality were made by one person. At West Newbnry, where
(1) Memair by Professor Oloistead, in
Amer. Jour, of Science for 1832, The im-
portanoa of Ihls truly revoMioaaty instra-
meDt, in iCs relations to the poliitoai, social,
and industrial interests, not only of the
United Stales but of the world, may justify
ft faitlijr referenos to the paouliar oiroum-
Btancea of its origin. Whitney, wlio was
bom in Westboro, Woroeeter Co., Mass.,
of eaergy and remarkable mechanical abili-
ty, OS nell before as during his residence at
Yale College, nhere he graduated in 1792.
Oh his way to Georgia to fulfill an engage-
ment as a teaeber in a private family, he
made the acqcaintanoe of Mrs. Greene; and
■ cotton in iho eeed,) and senrohing the
ire-houses and boats, found n small parcel
it Bnoonraged by Mr. MiLler, be se-
with auc
b rude impt
m
ntaa
nd matcriala as
were at
and, he made tools hefter
ailed to
hifi purpose, and d
ew
hia
onn
ire, (of
which t
ier g
ns were
made,) a
n arUcie not
th
n to
befon
din the
market
f Savanna
He
a aaid
to have
iSOfui
nllie
e to the
s, by tb
dental
ployed.
her family b
lie he pursued
the study of
the law. Ha
ving diaplased his inventive
talent in the
onatruotionofa
tambour em-
broidery fram
eon a new plan
Mrs, areene
ny of reyola-
Uonary office
s assembled at h
er house, who
ware regret ti
a means of
cleaning thei
green seed cot
on, with the
remark, "&e
tlemen, apply
0 my young
friend, Whitn
y, he oan mak
e any thing."
otton seed, he
went to Siiva
nah, (it being
«t of season
use of a toothpick to try tlie tenacity of the
seed, while lefiecling upoa the subject
during a walk (De Bow'a Rev. jiv. 473).
Within ten daya after his plan waa eon-
oeived be hnd constructed a small model;
and encouraged by the result, proceeded to
make a larger one, which waa completed
and exhibited na above atated, in April.
Although it has undergone some modifica-
tions, the principle haa entered into oil the
most effloient ginning machines since em.
ployed. Thus waa opened to the sonthetn
agricultnrist an unbounded sonroo of wealth
In a new staple, nilbout which bis prospects
were poor indeed. The exports of cotton
in 1793, were 187,600 lbs., in 1794, 1,601,760,
and in 1795, 6,276,300 lbs.
,y Google
1193] PATENTS — ■WEBTERN TRAVEL — NEW MANUFACTURES. SI
the business first commenced, large quantities of horn combs were also
made ; and tho two towns here mentioned, have ever since been the
principal seats of the business. At G-raham's comb factory on Charter
St., Boston, combs of good workmanship were also made at this time,
and probably in some other places. The importation of combs had
greatly decreased since the peace in 1183.'
Among the patents granted this year, the most important were a
maehine for manufacturing tobacco, by James Caldwell and C. Batter-
man, Jan. 26, which was employed in an extensive factory owned by
Mr. Caldwell, near Albany, N. Y. (see A. D. 1194); an improvement
in windmills, by Joseph Pope ; and in the manufacture of brichs, by
Christopher Colles (Jan. 2G) ; both among the most skillful mechanics
and engineers in the country ; double pendulums and clock pendulums,
by Robert Leslie of Phila. (Jan. 30} ; the manufacture of oiled silk and
linen, by Ealph Hodgson (Feb. 1) ; an improvement in paper moulds,
by John Carnes of Del. (April 11} ; manufacturing rhus or sumach, by
E. Eosewall Saltenstall (May 1).
A line of packet boats, two in number, commenced running between
Cincinnati and Pittsburg, and were advertised to perform the voyage,
each, once in every four weeks ; passengers would be made safe
■ under cover, proof against rifie or musket balls, with convenient
port holes for firing out of. Each boat was armed with six pieces, car-
rying a pound ball, and a number of good mnskets and plenty of ammu-
nition.
During the past and present years several new branches of manufacture
were attempted in Philadelphia, A number of carding machines for
cotton and wool were constructed, eight spinning frames on the Ark-
wright principle, and several mules of one huudred and twenty spindles
were erected at the Globe mill in Northern Liberties. James Davenport
was granted letters patent, Feb. 24, for weaving and beating sail duck,
(1) WliitDBj's Hist Woreester Co., J9S, bnamega. Combs werB.-maHie in Philudel-
Mase. Hisl. Coll. 3,2tr. The first mimufao- pbio, as appears by the oard of Christopher
ture of horn oombs in America, appeara to Anger, lornhmaker, in Oct. 1758, informing
have toen about the year 1T59. Tn that the publio that ha oontinnad to supply,
year Mr. Enooli Noyes, a self-taught me- wholestilo or retail, all aorta of combs, and
chanioofWest SewbHry, oommenoed, with- also powJer borna and pnnoh-apoonB. Tho
buttons ana coarse combs of Tarious klnda. reoommentlod to the people, among other
HecoQtinuedthehDsinesanntilir78,whenhB things of public utility, the encourage ment
employed William Cleland, B deserter from of hom-smiths in all tbeir various branoboa.
Bu^oyne's army, a comb-maker by profes- laano Trj-on of Conn., a soldier of the Eeyo-
BioD, and a siillfol workman. That town lutioii, made eomba by a machine of his in-
haa ever ainoe hell! a leading placo in tho vention, patented in 1798.
1794 ,
,y Google
52 EMBAKOO — NAVAI. ABMAMBNT — rULTOtf. [1794
and soon after proceeded to erect sit tlie same cstaWi aliment an ingenious
set of machinery for spinning and weaving flax and hemp by water power.
Ten good Bngli'ili etockin" frames were imported and several new ones
were made by M gillj&O m li mf m England ex-
pressly to c y th b t wh h tl y ii 1 b larly bred.
Two Europ 1 1 ffht t tl th m th m 1 y f r spinning
and drawing g 1 1 d 1 d tl m fact f thread lace
and embro i y rt 1 f I mpt f y ^ ntry. The
manufacture of straw and chip hats was about this timo introduced, and
was for a time carried on with success and prolt; twenty dollars' worth
of raw materials being converted into $2000 worth of hats. Wronght
mohair and silk buttons had also been made for a year or two at German-
town, by a native of Germany, His patterns were much approved, and
were fast getting into fashion wten an English imitation of them is said
to have been sent in such quantities as to compel him to give up the
business, as also happened afterward in the case of straw hats. Two or
three experienced potters from England set up their business, bnt soon
abandoned it for want of encouragement. Kearly all these, and several
other attempts made about the same time, contended for a number of
years with forGign competition, but most of them were ultimately aban-
doned or changed hands, the projectors going into other business.'
On March 26, an embargo was laid for thirty days, and at its expira-
tion was renewed for thirty days longer.
In accordance with a resolution of 2d January, Congress passed,
March 21, an act, authorizing the President to provide and equip a
naval armament against the Algevine crnisers, to consist of four ships
of forty-four guns and two of thirty-six guns each. Six frigates, the
Constitution, President, and United States, each of forty-four guns, and
the Chesapeake, Constellation, and Congress, of thirty-six guns each,
were immediately put on the stocks at the following ports respectively,
viz. : Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Portsmouth, Ta., Baltimore and
Portsmouth, If. H. This formed an initial step toward a national navy.
In May a patent was granted by the British government to Robert
Fulton, a native of Little Britain, Pennsylvania, for a. " double inclined
piano" to be used in transportation. The Society of Arts in London,
also granted him the silver medal for the invention of a mill for sawing
marble and other stone, which was then at work near Torbay in Devon.
A model of it was presented to the Repository of the Society.' A
machine for spinning flax and another for making ropes, afterward pat-
(1) Besayon tie Mttnufaoturing interests (2) Roportory of Arts, toI. 17. Trans-
0? the United States by a member of th9 of Society of Arts, T. 12, p. 329.
Society of Atta, rhiladelpbio, IBOi.
,y Google
ITSi] EXCISE AND CUSTOMS I U TIES— PETITIONS. 53
ented iQ England by Fulton, it is supposed were invented about ttis
time.
In June Congress passed acts to laj a duty apon carnage whicli
tromOctoUrlstttue topiy wliethei public or piiv ate in annual rate
ofonetotei doll iiB each a duty on 1 (.ensbs for retail ng wmes and
liquois, to make all stills uDt entered liable to torfeituro and limiting
the privilege of drawback on expoitaticn to quantities of one hundred
and fifty g-illons or upward and duties of ciglit cents pei pound on
snufl and two cents per pound on refined sugar manuttutured in the
United States
The manafactureis of snuff and lefiners of sugar weie lequired twenty
days before commencing business to leudei an exact account in anting
of every hon^e or building snuff mill and mtitar or sugar pan *nd
boiler employe! by them and feive bonds m $5000 each ts keep anl
renler quaiteily— on pam of foifeitin all huch m lis and utensils ai d the
sum of $500— an exact account of aU snuft oi leiined sugar made and
sent out bj tliem of which they weic to make oath annuallj The
dut es on manif u.tuiel tobacco ai 1 icfined sugar were inciea ed to four
cents a pond each and on s uff to twt.he cents when imported from
abioad No lefined or lump . i^ai wa^ to be imported after Slst of De-
cember m vessels unlei one liuuhel and twenty tons, or packages or
casks of kss than BIX bundle I pounds andn^ drawback was to be al-
lowed on manufactured tohacco snuff oi rehned sugar exported, except
that made in tU United State, which in quantities of twelve dollars
■woith was albwed a d ai^l ack equal to the duty, with an additional
drawback on sugar ot the th ee cents duty chargeable on raw sugar
used by them .
The e laws were followed by a geneial mudification of the tariff, m-
cie ising the 1 ities to an aveiage late ol about fourteen per cent , and
two days after by a iuty of one <iuartei to one half per cent on the
puichase money of all sales at auction The internal duties were limited
to tw 0 years
A number of petitions lelative to import and excise duties, were
presented to Congress from manufacturers and others, in different parts
of the countiy The manufactuiers of paint, and dealers in oil and
pamteis eoluis m Bait more and Aleiandua petitioned (Jan. 22), that
the duties on diy pa nt might 1 e takt.n oft and an equivalent duty be
laid on paint, giound in oil or be o legulated as to encourage the
gru Img of them in the United fetates Samuel Swann and others of
h chmond askU (Tel 10) for an additioml duty on imported coals,
(1) Laws UnitBd SloteB.
,y Google
54 GBHERAL TARIFF— FIRST WOOLEN COMPANr. [1T94
or Other encoaragement for opening coal mines in the United States.
Messi's. Walley, Tudor, Payne, and McLean, , of Boston, prayed (Feh,
13) for additional duties on window-glass.' The merchants and manu-
facturers of iron, and ship -builders, in and near Philadelphia {Nov. 3),
desired a repeal of the import on bar iron, and were followed (18th) by
a counter petition, from Levi Hollingsworth and other proprietors of Iron
wo k ' h V
or g
UnS MT Nkas m
pOf.
the m
Virg
goo
furnnces and. forges, it was astimatod thnt or fonr states; ofliera rogiraed il
the new iron worlts eraated in the stule ihe best on tlio list.
since irsr, were equal to ona hnlfof all tliosf
built before and diirtti£ that jenr.
i.Google
119i] THE MANUFACTURES OF BOSTON, 55
Stanwood, Mark Fitz, Mr, Carrier of Amesbury, Mr. Parsons (late
Chief Justice), Jonatliaa Greenleaf, James Trince, Abraham Wheel-
wright, Philip Coombs, and others. The English operatives by whom
it was started, were Arthur, John and James Seholfield, John Lee,
Mr. Aspinwall, Abraham and John Taylor, John Shaw, aud James
Hall, principally from Oldham and Saddleworth, England.*
Among the manufactures of Boston at this date, were soap, candles,
rum, loaf-sugar, cordage, dack twines and lines, cards, fish-hooks, combs,
stained paper, stone ware, glass, etc. Great improvements had been
made in some of these since the Revolution, as w 11 n tl q al ty as in
the process of maaafacture. Soap and tallow 11 had I en long
inanufactnred. By newly invented American m h t; t pedition
and saving of cotton had been effected in the hu n f 11 making.
Spermaceti candles of superior quality, were mad ad xp t d in large
quantities, by fonr different factories. The privdege of making sperm
candles, was granted Benjamin Croft, as early as 1151.^
There were thirty distilleries and seven sugar refineries, the latter
capable of making yearly 100,000 lbs. each, on an average. A large
incorporated sail dnck factory, made sail cloth which was in high repute.
There were several mannfactories of cloth and wool cards, one of fish-
hooks, Graham's comb factory on Charter St., which, with similar works
in other parts of the country, had greatly diminished the importation of
combs. Paper hangings were made in sufficiency for the supply of the
state, and also for exportation to other states. Mr. Fenton, from New
Haven, had recently erected a stone pottery on Lynn St., where Liverpool
ware was made and sold lower than the imported. The clay was obtained
from Perth Amboy. Iron and brass cannons, balls, stoves, and hollow-
ware, wei-e made at the foundry of Paul Revere. Chocolate had heen
long made from the large quantities of cocoa obtained in the West India
trade, and had been greatly expedited by recent inventions. The choco-
late mill of Mr. Welsh, at the north end, could turn out twenty-five han-
dred weight daily. Calico printing was carried on with considerable
skill, and the general use of calico since the peace, rendered it increas-
ingly profitable. Plain India cottons were imported for that purpose ;
but the importation of printed calicoes was large. Pot and pearlash,
which had been made there for forty or fifty years, had then ceased, oti
account of the scarcity of wood. Considerable quantities made in inland
(1) Stryker'aAmBr.K8gislor,Tol.2,p.338. valne tho oil sent t« Europe. The duty mi
(2) In 1760, Menport, R. I., had Eorautaan apermacGli in England, was £18 per ton, it
flpflrm flsndle and oil works. Lord Sheffield nearly prohibitory, and tho mitnuffloture of
(1781) atntes, thut the spermaoeti candles «andlea for tho Woat India market vas cou-
BsmrfftotnrBd in the ooloniea, exceedsd in seqnently great.
i.Google
56 TIIE POTASH MANUrACTUKE. [1194
towns, wore inspected inB adhppdb IT.
Probiaher, of the town, had c d h p
tnre of American potash, by g g h p ,
and by demonstrating its sup n p m k D T d,
the' inspector at that time, h p h e
manufacture and inspection p dp G a^ k as
(1) Potaaliwaa an importaat pro d
the American forests, and in later
timsE WAS exported in oonBiderable
ties. Ita production waa atrongiy m m
meiided to tli« first settlers of Virgin an Mr.
was oven enjoined by the terms of a n
thepnlantaoflaDd In 1619 and 16 L th 33 f
itoce sent tliitber m pait, for that b as m to
Ita mannfueture nns limited m E til f
where oshea oost 12d a luihel, in aldition botties were offered for sale,) in order to
totheooat of ooliecting them from culinary advouee the bnaineaa. Witb letters iiom
Area. In 1623 a patent was gronfed to Sir roi.mbera of Parliament and Gov. Belcher of
■Wm. Eusseli and others, for a nietLud of Mao , he pnrobaaed in Fhiladelphia, in
making Iiard soap "with a material called oontiection with the Messrs. PranMin and
Barilla," withont the aid of Sre, and also othora, the potash worka of "the Liverpool
for making potash from the stalks of peo=, Oompanj, " which had suspended buaineaa.
beans, kelp, tern and other herbaceous The; erected a large furnace and additional
plants, which are richer in alkaline salla buildings and in one month [int the neir
than wood. It was renewed in a •nbaO' process in operation, in the preaance of
, it OOTernor Dennj and other gratified fpecta.
w- tora. Thenoe he proceeded to the Rappa-
CTOr, of Chose earbonotes in the arts, and bannock in V gin a f tl purpose of
the interrnption of trade with Euaaia, starting on tt f t ry of the Liverpool
■whsnee the chief snpply was obtained. Company, wh h had b n g en up, and
caused the price of potash to advano f m from that to He g a.
£12 a ton in 162(1, lo £40 or £50 i 1 0 Th n eas I n un pt n f potash in
Thia made it an objaot to encourage t p o- hi a h ng oal p t g g' . soap, and
dnction iu America, where forosta w n th ma ifa tu an I tad easing pro.
mb dp taeh Id b m d q the north of Europe, induced the
ily mad 11 to I p th b t f Arta in London, about 1761, to
not f 1 gth 1 d Th m ft ft a p minm of £4 for every ton of mer-
w Ij tte pted I I ha tahl paarlaah imported into London
As ly 17 I w was t d ftom the oolonlea, and large premioma atao
8 hC I t g th m kmg tor the oultivadon of Kali or glass-wort for
tPtah dSlpt I HwYh Barilla, in the oolonles south of the Dela-
„li I p t h f th t wnro. Between that time and 1!82, the
ui h t, t p d h D t ! Society paid nearly £000 in peouniary re-
dy y tl h waa w d by wards, and diatributad fourteen honorary
Irf, d tl m b 1 1709 b th gold inedala to promote the mannfiieture in
Eucceaa. About twenty-five years after it America, ia which they were quite saeeeaa-
was attempted in New Jersey, and again a ful. Among other persons of capital who
few years later, in Now York, by Mr. Haaen- embarked in the buaineaa, was Mr. Edward
claver. Experiments wore made by John Qnincy, a merchant of Boston, who was «o-
Panu in 1735, and in 1741 a factory was set oournsed thereto by a personal visit to the
,y Google
J>[94] HISTORY OP THE POTASH MANCFACTURE. 57
already mentioned, were in operation; hats formed a considerable branch
of manufacture, the fine bearer hats being considered preferable to the
English.
Considorable quantities of various hous^hrld miimfiitures found a
then ao firmly eslablisbed, that it neaded
no further aaaistanee from them, than how duote 1 tc
to aaaoj it, and deteat franda, aod mainlain salt fall iU
its orediL (Ho atatos by the way, that hi
had also onoouraged the silk oulaire to bia was uvged upon a atroam of lye, when tlia
utmoat.) Among the medala awarded by ehimney suddenly blow up and tho pi'oprie-
the London Society, was one in 1787 to tor waa obliged to boil the lixivium in pana
Dr. Wm. Lewis, and ona in 1763 to Kobert a,nd finally to abandon an iaipraoticable
DoBSle, Esq., for practioal essays describing plan. Potash worts of large eHent were
aaoo
- the fires
of w
l.ioh
met
cmmon
where the int
anse
beat
tan led
Biaporata
ths
lye.
tc It in
ft 31
niUst-eam
whil
eth(
.dry
1 into a
[an
beieath.
Afte'
r a great
for ap
para
,tns, ashea
, etc.
, the
1 firs
afterward ereotad a
beat polBsb waa mide, the latter also pre- Sooteh company who brought every portion
scribing the managemant of glass-wort, of the appamtu- w th them and by prudent
These treatises, which ware ciroulated with inanagemant and busineia taet suooeeded
some Amerioan essaya on tho same subject, built on a more inesi ens s i Ion an 1 were
gaTB quite an iinpnlae to the bnslnees \
the BeTOlution, Of the American essays,
moat profitable works were set i p at a o it
ona was a quarto pamphlet publiebed in
oE UsB than twenty d llar= enelUBive of
1 which were tl a cb ef item of
scribed the prooeas of eoloin g p 1 h oa
p At the daio in our test the
practiced in Hungary, witl t f th
1 na a large ond incra-u.ing one m
fnrnaca. A Society in Kew T fc th
\ m t arly every town ! av nfe one or
plan of the London Societ wli h M
m 1 aaher ei The business was wall
Haaenclarar, before mention d w mm
1 t d and ioach effort Baa made to
ber, also, in 1784, offered p m m f £ 0
for the greatest quantity of p t h tl
i p t The product waa equal to any
Am a. In Lancaster county, Mass.,
th w many pot and pearlash wovfca.
smaller snma for less quantil P mi m
Th tl mpleta (on of potash sent to
were also offered by the Soc yf th E
works were, in 1 772, created Pbd d Iph
t m tb t county, where it was made
Im t f m the first settlement in 1735.
by Wm. Henderson, and in 1 87 by J h
Ehea and probably others. M y P
Th fi t I odootion of iron kettles in the
b h also been ascribed to Colonel
C 1 b W Id r of Lancaster, in the ^ama
iu England and America, th h p f
large profits, engaged in the h to
large a senle, and as in oth bra h w
ty (nhii«e,j-a Worcs.Ur). By tha
mined- How England, Massachusetta par-
sylvania (liflO), and other exporting sUtea,
tjculirly, and New York were the largest
pot and pearlash intended for asportation
in Maasachuaetta in 1783, was nearly 2&0.
were subject to a oarefnV assay or inspection
as to quality and packing before shipment,
The first in the state is aaid to have baen
which contributed to the reputation of
erected on a vary large acaJc, near Belctar-
town, Hampahire Co. An immense bnild-
esportation increased, rapidly after tha
ing was put up and lined with iron bound
peace, and were encouraged by the bounUea
Tats and tubs, and in the centre wore built
of different Bocietlea an i Legislatives.
i.Google
58 liARGE TOBACCO JACTOaT — BABLT BOPEMAKING. [1194
market in Boston, and paper waa made at twelve mills in tho state.
Powder waa made a.t AndoTer and Stoughton. Cannon and iron tools,
and implements, as axes, Uoea, shovels, scythes, etc., and naUs of all
kinds in different places. Slitting mills were erected at Stoughton, a
cotton mill at Beverlej ; women's shoes, to the nnmber of 110,000 pair,
were annnaUy made at Lynn, and snuff in large quantities in several
towns. Within a few miles of Boston the following and some other
articles were ;nade, viz. : tow cloth, cotton and linen sheeting, thread,
checks, bedticks, striped flannels, thread cloth and worsted hose, gloves
and mitts, diapers, cotton and woolea coverlets.'
In July of this year the extensive tobacco manufactory belonging to Mr.
James Caldwell near Albany, waa consumed by fire, with a stock valued
at $3T,500. A loan of 120,000 was immediately opened by his friends
at the bank ; the Legislature of tlie state resolved to assist him with a like
sum, and the work people of the city volunteered their labor to assist in
its reconstruction. Extensive works for the manufacture of roll and cut
tobacco, Scotch and rappee enuff, mustard, chocolate, starch, hair-
powder, split peas and hulled barley, were commenced and put in opera-
tion within eleven months. The works were decidedly superior to any
of the kind in America. All the operations, even to the spinning of to-
bacco were performed by water power The mo'it importint machinery
■ "" C Idw II 1 Ch t pi B tt
ft 1 b t 100 000 II lly
tfaftym d hli
w th t b
m U p t t d by M
m J C
119 wh h m ft
Th p t
mpl J d th t y
I th
m th e lb
Elw d H
G y If
oth f t
h If th hi
d t y g th t d
th t d 1 1 t
al t ty th b 11 g 1 1 f ty tl dw 1! Th
lafetb ttlwtdftlt td d
of til 1 tt w U d d d ty f tl m 1 d Id t t
a b! f b t h d d 1 f ty f th m Th 1 tm
q ted th t m i w Ik h Id b b It tl h t f th ty
and tendered the suSerers the use of the west side of the Common, where
they built six, which were bnrned down February 18, 1806. Five were
rebuilt and again burnt in 1819. The first patent for manufacturing
cordage was granted this year, Jane 16, to George Parkinson, who in
1191, had patented a machine for spinning flax and hemp. 'But the hemp
and yams used by the Boston ropemakers were mostly imported. There
was also a company that manufactured twines and lines of every size,
(1) Dr. Tbaoher in Mass. Hist. Coll. for 1734, vol. 3.
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1194] WniSKY INSUBRBOTION JAY'S TKEATY-
-CAUCO rillNTING.
59
th L k
1 t quillity to the
ni w 1 by
1 1 0 of population
t 1 t t
1 ii ritj was given
th f II
S J
d th
mp t d
employiDg in 1192 over fifty hands. Their cod lines were considered
eqnal to the noted Bridport lines from England.'
The discontents among the whisky distillers and others in Western
PennsylTania, on account of the revenue laws, ag'graTated by a scarcity
of specie, now assaraod the character of an open insurrection. By tho
temperate but vigorous action of the President, who issued two procla-
mations and a call for fifteen thousand militia, order and obedience to
the laws were restored without bloodshed.
Aug. 20.— The victory of Gfen Anthony Wayne over th Ohio Indians
near the rapids of the M n
north-western territoi-y, a d
and the establishment of th
by tho treaty of Grreenvill
Nov. 19.— A treaty of i
tween the "United States 1
15th article, Great Brita
tervail those payable on
British and American vess 1
Jay on the part of the TTn t il St t
porting sugar, moIaBses, coffee c co
nor Mr. Greenville being w \ p
come an article of export f m tl S
the treaty was therefore st iy pf
The first calico-printing in Providi
commenced by Messrs. Schaub, Tissot, and Dnbosque, in a chocolate mill
on the present site of the Franklin foundry. Mr. Dubosqne, who had
(1) Bopemabing had teen snrried on in ery. They beeaiae nmnoroiia and crofita-
Beaton and vicinity for more than a oentury
and a half, having baen commenoed there
1641, and in Charleston in 16113. In tbnt
in several of tha oommereial citieE, it had
rjoms an important branoh of industry.
Tha fatal Boston mnsaaere of 6th Mareh,
f56, which precipitated the Eavolutien,
noad in a flkirmish with the fforkmen
n Oroy'e ropewalk near the aile of the
ire above mentioned, seme of nliom were
e first victims. In tha Federal procession
m Boston, in Fob. 1783, the ropemakers, pre-
ceded by Mr. William MoHeil, oulnnmhered
any ether class of meohanioa, being seventy-
five in number. Tha first ropewalk in New
York city was built about ina along Broad-
way, between Barclay Street and Park Place.
In 1YS5 Severn! ropewalks extended in tho
diroctJon of Bast Broadway trora the Eow-
i t egotiated he-
Ej th d ection of the
f 1 J g luties to couD-
t tl IT ted States in
tl W 1 1 Jia trade, Mr.
mm nl 1 th ight of trana-
and tt n to Eu pe, neither lie
tly th t th I t amed had be-
tl n St t Th -atification of
d f m t me postponed.
it. I., was ahoat this time
bla in the city. Severa
ropemakera, having
"larg?andonrieusrop
walks, especially Jo-
aephWilcox,"arespok
n of in PbilBdalpbia
in 1698. They had nb
ut aizty reprasantii-
tives in the federal oel
borethemotte"MByll
e production ot ™-
trade be the neokclolh
f him who attempts
to untwist the political
rope of our Union,"
Bopemnking was nn a
tensive business in
later years. The first
ropewalk in Balti-
by Mr. Lus, and
Wm. Smith built one nc
r Bond Street abont
1T71. In 1792-3 thera
were more manufaa-
toricain Maryland and -V
irginia,nceordineto
CoKe, than in any two of the states of New
York, Now Jeraey, Co
nectiont, and Hew
Hampshire. America
cordage was pre-
ferrcd by our mercTian
3, even in Colonial
times, to the foreign.
i.Google
EJSST COTTOK THaEAD — PATTJOISON — STEAM, [llSi
II attached to the Freuch navy, and married in RhodG Island, had
art in early life, aa it was practiced ia Alsace in France.
The cloth printed was imported from Calcutta. The printing was done
with woodea blocks, and the calendering by friction on a hard substance
with flint Btone — metal rollers being then nnknowii. A calendering
machine was introduced there in 1190, and about the same time Herman
Taudusen commenced calico printing in the same manner at East
Greenwich, cutting his own blocks, but the business in Provideuce was
the first of any extent in the state. Three years after calico printing
was also earned on in Providence by Peter Scliaub and Eobert Newell.
The first sewmg-thread ever made of cotton was this year produced
by Samuel &later of Pawtncket, who commenced its manufacture in
Rhode Island whence it extended into Europe. The idea is said to
have sugge ted itsdf to Mrs. Slater, whose attention was attracted by
the evenness and beauty of the yarn while spinning a. quantity of Sea
Island cotton. Some of it having been doubled and twisted, a sheet
was made, half with cotton and half with linen thread, and the linen was
the first to give way. The introduction of cotton stocking yarn in
America is also ascribed to Slater. The prices of cotton twist yara at
this time were, for No, 12, 88 cents ; No. 16, lOi cents; Mo. 20, 131
The first cotton factory of Patterson, N. J., 90 feet by 40, and fonr
stories high, began in 1192, was completed under the superintetidence
of Peter Colt of Hartford, who, in January 1193, had succeeded Major
I'Enfant, a Frenchman, as engiueer. Cotton yarn was spun in the mill,
the first having been made the previous year with machinery moved by
oxen. Calico shawls and other cotton goods were also printed, the
bleached and anbleached muslins being purchased in New Tork. The
Society likewise turned its attention to the culture of the silk-worm and
directed the ^upeiintendent to plant mulberry trect '
A steamboit with a stern wheel «as navigated fiom Hirtford Conn ,
to Sew Yoik eity by Samuel Morey of Connectimt the buildci
The Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society was instituted to iclieve
sufferers by fiie and to stimulate genius to useful discovenes for the
preservation of litp and property from dcstiuction b} that element
An agent Joseph '->tacy Simpson was about thi'i time sent to Eng
land by Oliver E^ans with drawings and specihcations ot his steim
engine, foi the pu pose of taking ont a patent m connection with the
English engineers He publ hrd tl c i ext ytar the Miller mA Mill
Wright's Guide a verv useful work to young mechanics and al jut the
earliest systemati tieatise on the subject by an American
(1) Mamoir of Slater, 2B2, 293, 382. (2) Ibid. 3S3.
,y Google
1194] pATE^fTa — chanoe in tariff. 61
The Legislature of Kew York granted £1500, to enable a Mr. Boyd
to re-establish at New "Windsor, in Orange County, a valuable set of
works for the manafacture of scythes.
The most important patents issued this year were one to James
Divenpovt (Feb 34) for weaving and beating sail dnck, which was
p t 1. t t th Gl I P t y Phil llih tl otton
g by El Wh t J (M h 14_) 1 w ly Z h h Cox
(M h 14) mj t m f t p p t by John
Bddl (M h 81) Th p f 1 pp w ft d put
pt bythptt tlnwMlFlhht tp esent
h p w 1 1 t bj 1 d m 11 f k II lit board
f [y y L I P t I P lly f d t t d be-
f th I ft! t y A mp m t th t m 1 11 was
p t t 1 (b pt ) by AI d id f Ph 1 d Ipl wl eh by
m f d gtf dfldlb d fe erally
d pt d A th 1 g mach p t t 1 (NT 5) by J m W rdrop
of Virginia, was the next year introduced in England.
A supplementary tariff act, substituted after the first of Mai-th the
following duties, tjz. ; on printing types ten per cent., and on giran-
doles twenty per cent, ad valorem; on white clayed or pure dried
^'^^^ sugars three cents, and on all other clayed or powdered sugars
oae and a half cents per pound ; on Malaga wine twenty cents and Bur-
gundy and Champagne forty cents per gallon ; imperial or gunpowder
tea to pay the same as hyson.^
Memorials and remonstrances were received from the raannfaeturers
of tobacco in Philadelphia, and the refiners of sngar in that city and
Baltimore, praying for a revision or a repeal of the act of last session
(Jnne 5th), laying excise duties on snuff and refined sugar, and that a
tax be laid on the pan or boiler, in lieu of two cents per pound oa sugar
refined in the United States.
The law was amended by repealing the eight cents duty on snufi"
and hying instead thereof, the following annual rates of dnty on snnff
mills after April 1st, viz. : upon every mortar contained in any mill
worked by i^^ter, and upon every pair of millstones employed in the
manufactuie cS snuff, $560 ; upon every pestle in any other than hand
mills $140, upon every pestle in any mill worked by band $112 ; and
upon every mill in which snuff was manufactured by stampers and
grinders $2240. Entries of the mills, buildings, and apparatus, to be
made, and a license obtiuued before commencing business, and annually
(1) Sue page ?!. (2) Lows of the United StaUs.
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62 LTNS — BATON ROUGE — PROVIDENCB. [1195
thereafter. A drawbnck of six cents per pound was allowed on snuff ex-
ported in quantities of not less than 300 pounds at one time by the same
person.
The sboe bnainess of Lynn at this time employed about two hnndred
master workmen and six hundred apprentices, who made annually about
300,000 pairs of shoes, exported chiefly to the Sonthem States,
In March a number of public spirited individuals of the most indus-
trious and and respectable of the mechanical classes in Boston formed
the "Boston Association of Mechanics," for the promotion and regula-
tion of the arts and the interests of their class. Having in a few months
increased in numbers, resources and usefulness, in order to extend the
benefits of the Society and meet the general desire to elevate the mechanic
interests, they assumed the title of " The Association of Mechanics of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts," and were subsequently incorporated
(May 1806) as the "Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics' Association,"
which became eminently useful in promoting ingenuity and good work-
manship in the mechanical branches.
In July li, the Spanish government made a grant to Senor Marquis do
Maison Boiige, a French knigU, of thirty superflcial leagues of land iu
the rich alluvial bottoms of the Wachita river in Louisiana, on condition
that he introduced a ?olony of thirty families by way of the Ohio, for
the purpose of cultivating wheat, erecting mills, and establishing other
useful arts. The Spanish governor was to pay $100 to each nsefn]
laborer or artificer, assist in their transportation thithe.r and make a
grant to each family of four arpents of land. The conditions were ful-
filled by the Marquis according to agreement.
At Worth Providence, E. I., on the Pawtucket, were at this time three
anchor forges, one slitting mill, two nail cutting machines, one tanning
mill, one oil mill, three snuff mills, one grist mill, one cotton factory,
one clothier's works, and three falling mills, all carried by water.
A cotton mill of considerable extent, with Arkwright's water spring
machines, was established at Warwick, Kent county, in the same state,
and answered the higliest expectations of the proprietors. It was fol-
lowed in the next fifteen years by one cotton mill annually on an average,
beside two woolen mills, twelve grist mills, an anchor forge, and a gin
distillery.
William Almy of Providence wrote to his partner (Sept. 18), Samuel
Slater, that Georgia cotton was growing more plentiful. He had re-
ceived several invitations from New York to purchase a quantity there
which was represented to be good and cheap. They then paid one
shilling six pence per pound for cotton.
Considerable quantities of cotton were at this time still imported from
,y Google
1795J niLST COTTON I4ILL IS DELAWAKE — PATEMTS. 63
the West Indies. The total importation of that article for the fiscal
year was 4,106,793 pounds, and the exports 6,216,300 pounds.
The firsl cotton miii la Delaware was about this time pnt in operation
by Jaeob Broome at Wilmington, ia the Old Academy on Market street.
It was afterward removed to the Braadywine to be diiTea by water, but
was soon after burned down.
Paper had beea extensively manufactured for sereral years aboat one
mile ffom the town, on the Brandywine, by Messrs. Joshua and Thomas
Gilpin, and Myers Fisher, merchants of Philadelphia and proprietors
of large flonr mills at the same place. Their paper manufacture was
about this time greatly extended on account of the interruption to the
neutral trade with Europe.
December. — The Alleghany lumber trade, a valuable branch of the
business of Pittsburg, was commenced by Mayor Craig, who purchased
a large quantity of boards for the public service from Cornplantcr, the
Seneca chief, who had a saw mill at Genesadaga, on the right bank of
the Alleghany, four miles below the State line, upon a portion of the
Alleghany reservation of the Seneeas.
The fourth Congress, soon after assembling, instituted for the first time
a Standing Committee of Commeree aod Manufactures. It had charge
of those subjects daring the next twentj-foar years, when the duties were
consigned to separate committees.
The Act of Parliament of 1186, prohibiting the exportation of tools
and machinery used in the iron and stee! manufactures, was made per-
petaal by the statute 35 Geo. 3 c. 38. It recapitulates the several de-
scriptions of machines, engines, implements, utensils, and models, or parts
thereof, employed in rolUug, slitting, pressing, casting, boring, stamping,
piercing, scoring, shading or chasing, and die-sinking iron aud other metals.
It included machines used in the button, glass, pottery, saddle and har-
ness, and other manufactures, wire moulds for paper, etc. It proved
afterward, as it had before, extremely embarrassing to new branches of
manufactures in the United States.'
Among other patents issued this year was the first one to Jacob
Perkins for cutting nails (Jan. 16), and one to Josiah G. Pievson of New
York (March 23), for the same purpose, which was soon after put in
operation at the Ramapo works of the patentee in Rockland county.
Nautical ventilators for ventilating the holds of ships^ patented (June 19)
by Benjamin Wyncoop, were approved of by a number of leading ship-
mastera in Philadelpliia, as a very useful invention.
(1) Pupo'a Laws of tlie Customs iind Eioiso.
i.Google
64 PHILADELPHIA — COMPLAINTS OT SNUTF MAKERS. flt96,
Pliiladelpliia lield communication with neigliboriiig cities and towns
by the following modes of transportation, via. : with New York by four
daily stages, at the hours of four, five, aix, and eight o'cloclr,
*■'"'* A, M., and a line of packet boats to Burlington or Bordentown,
thence by stage to Amboy and by packet to New York : with Baltimore
by daily stage and a mail carri^e tri-weekly, and by packet and land
carriage combined (occupying two days in the route) six times in the
week ; with Lancaster and Burlington by stage twice a week ; and with
Bethlehem, Wilmington, Dover, Harrisbnrg, Reading, and Easton, each,
once a week by stage,'
A census of Pittsburg, giving the first authentic statement of its popn-
lation, made it 1395. It was incorporated as a borough in 1794.
The excise duty on snuff manufactured in the tJnited States continued
to give dissatisfaction, and petitions were sent into Congress from many
of the manufacturers, complaining of the inequality of its operation since
the transfer of the duty to the mortar and mill without reference to the
quantity made. Difficulty was found in dealing with the question con-
sistently with the interests of the public and the manufacturer. The
drawback of six cents a pound enabled some large manufacturers to
realize fortunes, and more was paid in that way than was rcceiveil for
duties. The gross amount of duties was about $20,000 in the last year,
and the drawback allowed was {25,000. Frauds were practiced by the
use of hand mills which made no noise and escaped the tax. The amount
exported in a year before the tax was estimated at 100,000 pounds.
To tax this amount without allowing a drawback was nnjnst and impolitic.
It was stated that one mill near Newcastle, Del., belonging to Mr.
Jones of Philadelphia, made 11,000 pounds of Scotch snuff a month, or
500,000 pounds yearly, which, supposing his tax to be 3,340 dollars,
reduced the duty to one cent a pound. Another had drawn largo
sums from the treasury in drawbacks. - These lai-ge concerns, which
bad been built up in dependence on the continuance of the drawback,
would be ruined by withholding it. To lay a duty of three cents a,
pound on Scotch snuff and allow an equal amount to be drawn hack on
(jxportation, still allowed too much to those who paid no duty. Many
small manufacturers had given up the business because they could not
obtain licenses for less time than one year. An act was finally passed
fiuspending the act of March 3, 1195, until the next session of Congress.
It was again suspenfled by later acts until April 24, 1800, when it was
repealed. '^
By an act of the same date distillers who' were unavoidably prevented from
(1) Philadelphia Diractorj, 1196. (2} Lnws United States. AmeriiBH State
Papora.— Seyljert, 469,
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1T96] ILOUB, HOPE, AND SUGAR MANUFACTURES IN lOUISIANA. 66
worting their stills throughout the year, were permitted to pay a monthly
duty of tea cents a galloa on the capacity of their stills iu lieu of iifty-
fonr cents yearly.
In the year ending 30th June, 1,415,509 gallons of spirits were dis-
tilled in Massachusetts from foreign, and 11,490 gallons from domestic
materials, yielding a rovonne of $148,169.36. The sura paid from the
United States treasury for drawbacks on spirits exported this year
amounted to $117,014.98.
In June, Philip Henri Neri de Tot Bastrop, a Dutch nobleman re-
siding in Louisiana, was granted by the governor-general, the Baron de
Carondelet, a tract of lajid twelve leagues square for an extensive agri-
cultural colony, on similar terms with the grant to M. de Maison E.oage
in the last year. He was required to introduce not less than 250 famUies,
allot 400 acres of land to each, and erect upon the bayous, mills for the
manufacture of flour for exportation. The grant was laid out on the
bayous Siard Berthelemi and. the Wachita, including the rich elevated
prairie and the sugar and cotton lands of the garden of the Wachita.
Bastrop fulSlled his contract so far as he was able, but the failure of the
government to complete its engagement caused the abandonment of the
enterprise after the transfer of the prorince to tlie United States on
30th April, 1803.
In August another grant of 458,963 acres on the western bank of the
Mississippi, now partly in Missouri and partly in Arkansas, was also
made by the Spanish government to James Glamorgan, a merchant of
8t Louis, for the purpose of establishing a rope manufactory to supply
the Spanish navy and the Havanna with cordage. Cultivators of hemp
were to be introduced from Canada and instructed in the manufacture.
This enterprise was not carried out until the transfer of the province.
The first successful attempt to manafactnre sugar from the cane in
Louisiana was this year made by M. Etienae Bor6, at his plantation, a few
miles above New Orleans, where Carrollton now stands. On the failure
of his indigo crop in 1192 he had turned his attention to the sugar cane.
Tie bought canes of a man named Mendoz, who had made a few barrels
the previous year, and contrary to the strong advice of bis friends laid
out a considerable plantation. He employed, at a salary of $1500 a
year, a practical sugar maker named Morin, who had learned the business
in St. Domingo and had superintended Mendez'a operations, to build and
put in operation sugar mills similar to those in the island. He was par-
tially successful in 1195, and completely so in the present year, having sold
his crop for $12,000, then considered a large sum. A large and curious
but doubting assemblage collected on the day appointed for the experiment.
The announcement made to them on the second strike, " Gentlemen, it
,y Google
66 MTKODUOnON Op sugar CULTtntB — SiLT. p.795
grains, it grains 1" was enttiusias tic ally repeated, and proved not only a
gratifying triumph to the persevering planter, but an important epoch in
the industrial history of the state. The business of sugar making may
be considered as established from that date, though not much progress
was made for some years.
One or two varieties of cane only were cultivated at that time : tho
common C 1 B 1 t i d 1Y51 from Hispaniola, and
the Otah t til th th f 11 year. Both of these
afterward fell m t th B bon and red or purple
ribbon ca t f J
The Ch g w tl y til into British India by
Eari Cor w 11
During th mm mp y f fifty I h Iders was formed io
erect a fi d ft it m II ie on the Muskingum,
about seven miles above Duncan's Falls, where salt springs were found the
year before. Kettles were bought at Pittsbnrg and carried by water to
the Falls, thence by pack-horses to the licks. A well was dag, in which
(I) De Bow's Iiiduslrial EeEouroes, vol. 3,
year the French Colonial Treasurer Dce-
p. m; Cominereid Eoview, vol. 23, y. 618;
trcliaji an.I others, ercclad works i;ke tho^e
Gaj-atre'. D y L P h
f D bteuil, and tha first by the Spaaiards
BennepiD, h to Ih y w
th left bank of (ha river. But in IJBB
an indigano g g th
MiEsissippi Th M 1 b J t 11
f th ity Bt this time ware Inmber, indigo,
1 It , lobncBo, tar, rioe, corn and cotton.
in April, 1751 m p t f m St D
D b a had some years befors invented a
mingo, by til J t f th f P t
m hme for oleanlng cotton (see vol. 1, p.
Prinoe, to til ft Ity H 0 1
361) nd was non the richest planter in
along with f g q tod th
t! lony. Ha had fi»e hundred slavea, a
its CUltiTBt d th in f t t
bn kj rd, an indigo plantfltioD, a nursery
aogor. As ly ilb 151S tb it t« ty
f Ikworma, and galhorad annually eight
eight inyciiioj or sugar mills m that islnnd.
to ten thousand ponnda of vegedible or
The revei'end Futhers plonled tho oanoa ia
myrtle wax from the ili/Hca Oeri/ern, of
their Epncioue gnrdens ubova tho town, neni
which he had severaJ unrseries. Ho other
Canal Bttaet, now in the first district of the
attempts were made witb sugar for nearly
city. In 1754 they made an unsuooeasful
twenty-five years. In 1790 M. Soils, a
attempt to produoe sugar. In 1768 a
Spaniard, at Torre Boouf, ouUivotod the
weBlthy and Bntorprising planter bnilt the
cane for making tafia or rum ftom the jnlce.
first sugar hoHse and mill in the colony.
which sold readily. But he had failed in
below the town now in tho . Panbourg
making sugar. In 1791 he sold his lamts
HorigDf, and attempted the hnsinaas on a
and apparatus to A. Mendez, who employed
larger senle, bnt not vsry aucaessfiiUy. In
Morin, as stated in the tent, to make and
1764 the Chevalier do Maaan sent to Spain,
even refine sugar. He praaanted some dU
f m h pi t t th pp ait« side of
min utile loaves, one of which would sweeten
th Mi PI g p nonnoedby
two oups of cotfoB, to the Spanish intendant.
0 t sj i 1 to h M ado of SL
Vines were pnrchased of 5im hj M, BoiS,
D m g Th J Id w d to be three
who made the next and most snocossfiJ es-
th li 1 i t Ih BO Tha nast
pcriment.
i.Google
1796] WESTERN PKOGaESS — SALT — PAPER — GAS — STEAM. 6T
was inserted a hollow tree to exclude fresh water, and the brine wae
raised by a sweep and pole, worked day and wight by successive relays
of men. About one hundred pounds of salt were made every twenty-
fonr hours, at a cost of at least three dollars per bushel. It was very
dark and inferior in quality, being much impregnated with ciiloride of
lime. Every fifty pounds required eight hundred gallons of water to be
evaporated. This was the first salt made in the Muskingum valley. The
furnace consisted of two ranges of twelve Settles each. Tlie saline was
forty miles from Waterford, from which, during the winter, provisions
were packed on horses, and salt sent to the settlements in the same way.
After three or four years the springs passed into other hands and finally
to the state, which leased them at a fixed rate.'
During this year also the Ohio valley first began to be supplied with
salt from the Onondaga salines through the enterprise of General O'Hara,
who, in connection with Major Craig, also made arrangements for the
erection of the first permanent glass works in Pittsburg.'
The first paper mill west of the Alleghanies was put in operation four
mile-^ eist of Brownsville Payette County Pennsylvania It was the
R d St Pap Mil Iw tdlySmlJknandJ
th bh ]1 tw 1 f tl ty fF 1 wh
bib 1 tb p 1 mil f b Oil ti
B dy B 11 (E 1 St on F t) tb t d t ty
f g t w 1 d full 11 A p fit bl b PS 1
b Id r t ky 1- t wl h t t d lly t th
ml f h d d f tw ty t h f th t a p rtat f
m t t M J 11 d th 1 t K t ky
Discnmmation was first made at the treasury Department in the value
of domestic and foreign merchandise espoi-ted. The total value of ex-
ports reached the sum of ?eT,064,097, an increase in five years of
$48,052,056. Of the total, $40,164,097 was from domestic produce and
manufacture. The imports amounted to $81,436,164.'
Gaslights were made and exhibited by Peter Ambrose & Co., manu-
factureis of fire woiks, at their amphitheatre ia Arch street above Eighth,
Philadelphia The inflammable air issued from orifices in bent tubes in
figures of an Italian parterre, masonic emblems, etc.
John Fitoh navigated a yawl by steam, with a screw propeller, on the
Collect ot Fie&h Water Pond, north of the present City Hall in New
York.
Kobert Fulton, residing in England as an engineer, published in
(1) Hildreti'a Pioneer Historj of the {3] Son vol. 1, pp. 243. 233.
Oliio Vallej, p. 47fl. (3) SeyiiQ.t, [i. 466.
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63 CANALS—TYPE FOUNDEY — PATENT PILLS, [1796
London a Treatise on the ImproTement of Canal Navigation, quarto,
illustrated by seventeen plates and a portrait. His plans were strongly
recommended by the British Board of Agricnltnre, under the presidency
of Sir John Sinclair. Oa this subject, which chiefly engaged his atten-
tion at this time, he contributed some essays in 1Y95 to the London
Morning Star, and sent copies of his writings to the United States,
setting forth the advantages of canals. He obtained a patent from the
British government for canal improvements and soon after went to
France to introduce them there.
The manufacture of printing types was about this time permanently
established in Philadelphia by Messrs. Archibald Binney and James
Eonaldson, who soon after introduced the hand mould, since known in
Europe as the American, the greatest improvement made since the inven-
tion of the art. It enabled a man to cast six thonsand types in a day,
instead of four thousand as by the old process. The success of the pro-
prietors was decisive.
Eleven patents, ont of the total number of forty-three, were this year
granted for improvements in the manufacture of nails and brads, the
greater part of them relating to the cutting and heading of nails by
machJEery. The first patent recorded for a machine combining; those
operations, was taken ont by Isaac Garret f P y ! 'a ("Nov.
IS) ; and was followed by another for the p t C ge
Chandler of Maryland (Dec. 12). Daniel P h f C p t nted
(Dec. 23) improvements in the manufacture 1 th f t I wr ght
Bails. Oliver Evans patented (May 28) an mj m t I m 11-
stones, of which he was one of the earliest m f t th t y.
Pour patents related to the manufacture of leather, including one for
making sumach, and one to James Stansfleld (Nov 16), for an improve-
ment in splitting sheep akins, the first of that kind on the records. Of
tlie same date, was a patent to the English engineer, Mark Isamlard
Brunei, for a method of ruling books and paper ; and one to Apolios
Kinsley of Conn., for an improvement in the printing press, which has
since been the subject of over 100 patents in America.
Samuel Lee, Jr., of Conn., also received (April 30) a patent for the
" Composition of bilious pills," the first of that class of inventions.
Lee's Windham pills, and Lee's Now London pills, the subject of three
or four patents by him and his son S. H. P. Lee, were highly popular
for a long period.
Another invention of the empirical class, which created much sensa-
tion for several years, was a method of "removing pains, etc., by metallic
points," commonly known as the "metallio tractors;" patented by Elisha
Perkins of Connecticut, Feb. 19th. It waa a kind of galvanic applica-
,y Google
1706] TBKBIBLE TRAOTOKATION — THE SAW GIN. 69
tioii, for curing disease bj the aae of steel and brass points. The delu-
sion of Perkinism extended oven to Europe ; but the author of it, who
also inyented an antiseptic medicine, fell a victim to misplaced confi-
dence in his own ndstrums, while combating t!ie yellow fever in New
York, in 1799. But his son established, in London, a Perkinean instita-
tion for the benefit of the poor, under the presidency of Lord Rivers.
The tractors soon fell into neglect, but were the occasion of a very clever
satire entitled " Terrible Tractoration, a Poem by Christopher Caustic,"
published ia London in 1803, and written by an American.'
The impulse given to agriculture at this time, attracted much attention
to labor-saving machines, applicable to the principal staples of the
country. Several machines for threshing and cleaning wheat, rice, and
other grains, and inventions connected with flour-mills, had already been
patented. The success of Whitney !iad given a prominence to the
cotton crop, and this year, three patents were granted for improvements
in ginning cotton. The most important of these, was one issued May
12, to Hogden Holmes, who, early in the last year, appeared as a formida-
ble contestant of Whitney's invention, which, until then, had only to
contend with the roller gin. Holmes' machine was the same in principla
&a Whitney's, but had the teeth uut in circular runs of iron, instead of
being made of wires, as was the case in the earlier forms of Whitney's
gin. Prom this circumstance it was called the saw gin. It was the
occasion of his principal law-suits afterward." While embarrassed with
(1) Cases of cures to the nnmlier of five
tliousimd Bore pobUsbed in England, with
by Whitney at one of the trials, by sinking
the plato bolnw the surface of the cylinder.
aioiaua and surgeons, lUid thirty olorgymBH.
so as to make the saw teeth look like biVc.;
The tractors were muoh ridiculed by the
and preparing another cylinder, in which
medical profession, and their popularity nns
the wire teeth were made to look like >aio
short lived. In 181)1, Tbomaa Green Fes.
teeth. When produced in oourt, the wit-
senden, of N. Hampshire, the author of the
nesses swore the snio teeth upon Whitney,
poem referred to, visited London to intro-
and the wire teath upon Holmes; upon
dnoe a new hydraulic mHohine, Not suc-
■which the judge declared it was unneces-
ceeding in hia object, he produced, under
sary to proceed any farther, the principle
in both being manifestly the some. So in-
the "Terrible Traoiorntion," in relataon to
veterate was the purpose to defraud him.
Perkins's traders, and its success w»B so
thQt, on a similar occasion, he bad tha
eomplete aa to relieve its aathor, aud give
greatest difEcnity to prove io court, that
oocasion for several editions in England.
the machine had even been used in Georgia,
It woa enlarged and reprinted in this ooun-
although at the same moment, three sepfi-
rate seta of the machinery were in motion.
and in another aditinn before his death in
within fifty yards of the building in which
the court eati and ao near, that the rattling
(2) Whitney oOetward proved, that the
of the wheels eonld be distinctly heard on
idea of taeth inslottd of wires had early 00-
the sl*ps of tbe Court House. Few men in
i.Google
YO LAST MESSAGE OP -WASHlNaTOX. [1796
tliis new rival, and an evident general intention to invade liis patent,
and burtbened witb debt, Whitney arrived in New Haven about April
1195, to find himself redaced to bankruptcy, by the destruction of his
shop and all his machines and papere, by fire only the day before his
arrival. At the time the rival gin of Holmes was patented. Miller and
Whitney had thirty gins in operation, at eight different places in
Georgia ; some carried by oxen or horses, and some by ivater ; and about
$10,000 invested in real estate connected therewith. While en-
deavoring to borrow money at twelve per cent, their operations were
nearly brought to a stand, by reports from Loudon, that the staple was
..greatly injured by the machine, a judgment which was soon reversed.
Through these and similar difficulties, the energy and confidence of
Whitney enabled him to persevere.
Three patents were taken out by the ingenious Amos Whittemore, of
Cambridge Mass., one of them for an improved self-acting loom for
weaving duck, believedto be similar in principle to the power loom now
in use.
President Washington, on meeting Congress for the last time, called
their attention to the necessity of a naval force, to insure respect to a
neutral commerce, and the desirableness of beginning, without delay, to
provide and lay np materiala for the baading nud equipping ships of war,
in which the nation might proceed by degrees, aa its resources rendered
it practicable and convenient. " Congress," he observes, " have repeatedly
anltwttt d t^i their attention to the encouragement
of m f t 11 bj t t too much consequence not to insure
at f tl ff t ery way which shall appear eligible,
A g 1 1 m f t public account are inexpedient. . .
Bttth ttfth dry demand for the public service, were
th y t m d d by t nsiderations of natural policy, as an
ex ft t th g II Ought our eoantry to remain in such
ca 1 p d t f g PP^T precarious, because liable to be in-
te ft 1 ? If ti y t les should, in this mode, cost more in
time of peace, will not the security and independence thence arising, prove
an ample compensation f "
The President, in the same speech, again called the attention of Con-
gress to the subject of a national university and of a military academy;
and was the first to suggest, on that occasion, the importance of a
Biraple fiiots within their knowledge, in re- tbe dcfendivnt, was given against thera. A '
ferenca to the maohina. The issue of tlio uocond trial could not be obtained, until
first trial they were able tjj obtain early in their busiaeaa bad been nearly destroyed by
tbe nest yoar, contrary to tbe pointed aurrepaUous gins.— Oimsleifs Mtmoir.
i.Google
1196] WASHINGTON ON MANTJEAOTtJKES, MATTHEW LYON. 11
iiatioiia.1 Board of Agricalture, " ctar^ed witli collecting and diffusing
information, jind enabled by preminma and small pecuniary aids, to
encfjurage and assiat a spirit of discovery and improvement." Societies
of that kind, he obseryed, had been found to be " very cbeay instruments
of immense national benefits." He had, nearly three years before,
communicated to Sir John SincUir, the eminent agriculturist, the ont-
Unes of such an organization for the state of Pennsylvania, but feared
the country was not yet prepared to sustain one with Congreshional aid.
A national Agvicnltural Society was not formed until 1809.
The Audersonian TJuiversity at Glasgow, was this year incorporated,
by the magistrates and conncil of that city. The bequest of Dr. Ander-
Bon provided for colleges of Medicine, Law, Theology, and the Arts.
The last of these, under Dv. Gfeorge Birkbeck — who, in 1199, was ap-
pointed to the chair of Natural Philosophy, and instituted a coarse of
lectnres to mei;hanics, on elementary science and philosophy — became
tlie first practical school for the operative classes, and the parent of
Mechanics' Institutes throughout the world.
Benjamin (Thompson) Count Eumford of Munich, a native of New
England, presented §55,000 to the American Acadamy of Arts and
Sciences, as a fnnd, the interest of wMch was to be given onoe in two
years, as a preminm to the author of the mcit important discovery or
improvement in heat and light, in any part of America or its islands.'
Col. Matthew Lyon, who, in 1133, commenced the erection of mills
at Pair Haven, Vt., had in operation, previous to this year, one furnace
and two forges, one slitting mill, one printing office, one paper mill,
Qbuilt in 1194,) one saw mill, and one grist mill. His printing was done
on paper manufaetared by himself, from the bark of basswood. He had
emigrated from Ireland at the age of sixteen, and was sold in Connecti-
eat for his passage."
One of the earliest man facto es n the United States, of any extent,
for spinning and weaving flax 1 emp and tow, by water power, was that
of James Davenp t j t n operation with patent machinery
i-iaJ within the last tw 1 e months at the Globe Mills, at the north
end of Second Street, Ph 1 1 Ij b a It was visited, at the beginning of
the year, by "WasMngton and several members of Congress, who were
highly pleased with the ingenuity and novelty of the machinery. The
President in particular expressed a high opinion of the merits of the
patentee, Mr. Davenport, and an earnest wish that a work so honorable
to the infant manufactories of the Union, might be extended to different
(1) Holmes'B Annala, (2) Hajwaril's Goaetteer of Vermont.
i.Google
72 PHILADELPHIA DUgK MILL — OHANQB IN TARTFr. [1Y9T
parts of the eoantry. The labor was chiefly performBd by boys ; one
of whom was able to spin, in a day of ton hours, 292,000 feet of flax or
hempen thread, using twenty to forty pounds of flax or hemp, according
to its fineness. One boy could also weave, on the machinery, fifteen to
twenty yards of sail cloth in a day. Specimens of the spinning and
weaving were deposited in Peale's Museum for public inspection. It
was the purpose of the proprietor to manufacture the machinery for
sale. But lie died soon after, and the machinery of the Globe factory
was sold in April, 1798, and the business broken up.
On the failure of a bill introduced in Congress, in accordance with
the recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasury and a resolution
of the House, and favored by the mercantile classes, to lay a direct tax
on lands, houses, and slaves, in order to meet the demands upon the
Treasury, the following additions were made (March 3) to the existing
duties upon imports, viz. : On brown sugar, one half cent per pound ;
Bohea tea, two cents; molasses, one cent per gallon; on velvets and
velverets, and muslins and musHnets, and other cotton goods not printed,
stained, or colored, two and a half per centum ad valorem. The duty
on the above descriptions of woven fabrics, was thereby made twelve
and a lia]f per cent, on the value, or the same as on printed and stained
By an act of the same date, option granted to the distiDer by the law
of 8th June, 1792, either to pay an annual duty of fifty-four cents per
gallon on the capacity of the still, or at the rate of seven cents a gallon
upon the quantity of spirits distilled, was withdrawn after 30th June.
In lieu of the duty, he was thenceforth to pay for a license to use any
such still for two weeks, six cents per gallon upon its capacity, including
the head ; for one month ten cents per gallon ; for two months eighteen
cents ; and six cents per gallon additional for every additional month up
to sis months.^
On Jan. 14, Congress prohibited, until the end of the next session, the
exportation of arms and ammunition, and allowed them to be imported
duty free for two years. The prohibition was renewed at the expiration
of the act, for another year.*
In July, duties were laid by Congress on stamped vellum, parchment,
and paper, to commence 1st July, 1798, and continue until 4th March,
1803.'
An additional duty of eight cents per bushel (making it twenty
oents) was imposed on salt imported in United States vessels, with an
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nSI] NEW YORK SALT WORKS — PHrLADELPOIA MANTJIACTUEES. T3
additional tea per cent when bronglit in foreign vessels. An allow-
aaee of twelve cents per barrel on picWed fish exported, and an addition
of thirty-three and one third per cent, to the allowance before granted
to vessels in the bank or other cod fisheries, were also authorized. This
law continued in force until April 12th, 1800, when the act of 1192 was
revived for tea years, and the additional allowances authoriKod by it
and by the above act, were continued only so long as the correspondent
duties on salt, respectively for which they were granted, were paid.'
On June 20, the first laws were enacted in New York respecting salt
works, and the first leases of lots at the Onondaga Salt Springs were
made by the state, to manufacturers under a commissioner, who required
them to make contracts at not ahove sixty cents a bushel, and to pay a
duty to the state of four cents per bnshel.
The city and huburhs of Philadelphia contained at this time, ten rope-
walks, which mannfactnred about 800 tons of hemp annually; thirteen
breweries, said to consnme 50,000 bushels of barley yearly ; six sugar
houses; seven hair powder manufactories; two rum distilleries and one
rectifying distillery ; three card manufactories; fifteen manufactories for
earthenware, six for chocolate, and four for mustard ; three for cut nails
and one for patent nails ; one for steel ; one for aquafortis ; onef or sal-
ammonifl« and Glauber's salt (which supplied the whole Union with
the latter article) ; one for oil colors ; eleven for brushes ; two for but-
tons; one for morocco leather, and one for parchment; besides gun makers,
copper-smiths, hatters (of which there were 300 in the state, who made
54,000 fur, and 161,000 wool hats annually) ; tin-plate workers, type-
founders, coach makers, cabinet makers, ship- builders, and a variety of
others. The city contained thirty-one printing offices, four of which
issued daily gazettes, and two others semi-weekly gazettes, one of them
in the Prenclr language ; besides two weekly journals, one of them in
German. The other offices were engaged in printing books, pamphlets,
etc. The catalogue of books for sale in the city, contained upwards of
300 sets of Philadelphia editions, besides a greater variety of maps and
charts, than was to be found any ^jhere else in America.^
The United Brethren at Hazareth, Pennsylvania, had in operation
a factory for spinning and twisting cotton, and had recently begun to
draw was tapers.
In the spring of this year, the " Hamilton Manufacturing Society,"
the proprietors of extensive glass works with hydraulic appurtenances,
ten miles west of Albany on the great Schoharie Eoad, was incorporated
by the state. The business was commenced about nine years before,
(1) Ibid. Toi. 4, ch. 15. (2) Morse's HazettGcr, vol, I.
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li NEW TESSELS — -WESTEEN NEW YORK. [IIST
and, under the patronage of the Legislature, at this time presented one
of tlie most conspicuous examples of private manufacturing enterprise,
in the country.'
Robert Fulton, ia company with Joel Barlow of Connecticut,
then residing in Paris as a merchant, made experiments upon the Seine
witli a submarine vessel.
The first steamboat on the Hudson was this year built bj Chancellor
Livingston. A steamboat with paddle wheels at the sides, buiit at
Bordentown, N. J., by Samuel Morey and Burgess Allison, was navi-
gated to Philadelphia and back.
The first American vessel on Lake Erie, was the schooner Washing-
ton, built this year at Ponr Mile Creek, Erie, Pa. She was lost soon
after, and the enterprise was not repeated for some time.
Three of the six frigates authorized by Congress, in 1794, were
launched, and ordered to be manned and put in service. They were the
Constitution, bailt at Boston, the United States at Piiiladelphia, each
of forty-four guns, and the Constellation of thirty-eight guns, constructed
at Baltimore. They were the first commissioned and afterwards the
moat conspieaoas for their soecess of any in the naval serviee, and were
the only naval foroe npon which the TTnited States relied, in the un.
pleasant relations it then held with France, growing out of the Eumer-
ous hostile decrees and predatoi? acta afi'ecting the neutral commerce
of the Union, which compelled the goveniraent to annul the infracted
treaty with that power.
The emigration this year to western Kew York from Pennsylvania,
Maryland, New Jersey and New England, exceeded that of any previous
year. The Genesee country was alresidy so far improved that the inhabit-
ants lived in comfort and even luxury. When Messrs. Gorham & Phelps,
in ItSSj opened the first land office ia the state, there was not a white
inhabitant npon the tract. In 1793 there were at least six thousand,
and it contained several grist and saw mills, flying stores, churches, and
fthapels. An academy for youth at Canandaigna was proposed within
t;vo years after the settlement. About three thousand emigrants arrived
yearly, and the improvements were rapid, especiaUy in regard to saw,
grist, and merchant flouring mills, potash works, roads and bridges, etc.
" The Bath Gazette" newspaper was started in 1796, and a sloop of forty
tons was built about the same time to ran as a packet between Geneva
nnd Catharines Town on Seneca Late. Her launching drew together
for the first time the inhabitants of the country to the number of several
thousand, who were mutually astonished at their own numbers. A press
CU SmtoL l,p.240.
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119T] WESTERN KBW YORK — PArENTS. 75
and weekly paper were the same joai started at Genera witli oii^'Iit hun-
dred subscribers, wlio before six months increased to one thousand.
Flax and hemp were cultivated on the Genesee Flats. Wheat and
Indian corn, were abundantly grown, and flour equal to any on the conti-
nent was made at numerous mills. From the apple and peach orchai'da
of the Mohawk, fruit was supplied in great plenty. One farmer made
in a season one hundred liarrels of cidor, another furnished a distiilerj'
with one hundred hushela of peaches, and a third sold cider to the value
of twelve hundred dollars. A very considerable brewery was this year
sot up by a Scotchman at G-eneva. Whisky, previously brought four
hundred roilea from Northumberland, Pcnn., and sold at one dollar and
fifty cents per gallon, was now made ia considerable quantity. Fifteen
familes in No. i, seventh range, made two tons of maple sugar in a
season. During the following year a respectable mercantile house in
Baltimore, built merchant mills at Tioga Point and established an exten-
sive manufactory of cordage for ships from the hemp of the Geneva
Flats. Arks for the transportation of lumber, flour, and other produce,
were introduced abont the same time. Few sections of the country have
made more rapid progress in popnlation and industry.'
Among the patents, about fifty in nivmbev, granted this year, the moat
important were those to Amos Whittemore (June 5), for an improve-
ment in the manufacture of wool cards, and Benjamin Seymour (June
36), for rollers for slitting and other mills for rolling iron, both of
which have been in extensive use to the present time. Eli 'Terry of Con-
necticut, the first extensive clock manufacturer in that state, received
(Nov. 27) letters patent for an improvement in clocks, time-keepers, and
watches. Several were granted for nailmating, and for threshing, and
other agricultural machines, and six for improvements in stoves, chim-
neys, and fireplaces. The Jast was by Charles Wilson Peak, the portrait-
painter. He also patented an improvement in bridges, which were the
subject of three other patents beside. One of these last was given to
Timothy Palmer of Newbnryport, Mass., who had previously constructed
bridges over the Merrimack and other New England rivers, and after-
ward built one at Eaaton, Pa., and the Schuylkill Permanent Bridge
at Philadelphia, which were all regarded as triumphs of engineering
skill, and led to the general approval and adoption of his architectural
principles.
■ Eli Whitney, having abandoned all hopes of pecnniary advantage from
^ the cotton gin, entered into contract with the United States
(1) Doo. Hist. H. Y., by O'CallBghin
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16 NEW WAK VESSELS— COEN BROOMS. [1198
of $13.40 each ; four thousand to be deliveroil on or before Sept.
30, 1799, and the remainder in ono year from that time, He proceeded
to erect a complete and extensive guu factory in the town of Hamden, a
few miles from New Haven, where the village of Whitneyvillo now stands.
In consequence of the works having to be constructed, machinery and
tools made, and much of it invented, raw materials collected, etc., the
contract w^ not finally closed until January, 1809, during which time
his genius was so impressed upon every part of tiie works as to render
it a model establishment for the whole country.'
A Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Manufactures, and Arts,
was established by the Legislature of New York.
The dismissal of American envoys from France, and other hostile de-
crees, produced great indignation and a disposition to vote " millions for
defence, not one cent for tribute." Eor the protection of commerce,
Congress authorized the President to cause to be built, purchased, or
hired, not exceeding twelve vessels of twenty-two guns each. To carry
the intentions of government into effect, with greater system, a new
Executive Department, that of the navy, was established. Ten small
vessels were authoriZGd to be built, purcbased, and fitted out as galleys.
Armed vessels, offered by private persona on favorable terms, were to be
accepted, A marine corps, consisting of the several grades of officers
and privates, was established. Three additional ships of thirty-two guns
each, were authorized to be built, for which $600,000 were appro-
priated.'
The manufacture of corn brooms, on a small scale, for the New York
market, was commenced by the United Society of Shakers in Watervliet,
Kf, Y., who began in 1191 to raise broom corn on the alluvial lands of
the Mohawk. The handles were made of soft maple turned in a foot
lathe, and the twine was wound upon the husk by means of a cylinder
turned by a crank, while the handle was held in one hand and the brush io
the other. This simple mechanism was afterward improved by adding a
bench to the roller fitted to a frame in the bench, and a rag wheel to hold
the cord when wound by a short crank as before. The brooms sold for
fifty cents each, and two dozen a day was an achievement equal to seven
or eight dozen at present. The original society at the Shaker settlement
still carry on the business somewhat extensively, and all other societies
of Shakers throughout the Union to a greater or less extent.*
(1) Seevol.l,p.616.— Olmstod'sMomoir. Philaaelphln, jbout 1790, eomraeiioed the
(2) Laws United States, vol. 4, chaps, first domeatic mannfacture- of brooLos, froia
48, 62, 56, 81, 69, B9. the pnnnicioa of liroom oorn (SorgLum
(S) Benjamin AtkineoD, of Byberry town- saccharntum), a plant -said to have been
Etip, now a part of tho consolidated oitj of Ccst raised in Ihis conntrj by Dr. Frankijii,
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1198] aOVBRNMENT ARMOEIES — STEUBEMVILtK I'J
The President was empowered to purchase camion, arms and amma-
nition, for which $800,000 were appropriated, or if more practicable ha
might lease for a term of years, or pnrcliase in fee simple for the
United States, one or more suitable places, and establish founderiea
and armories for the casting and mannfactare of cannon and small ai-ms,
for which ho wag authorized to employ artificers and laborers nader
proper superintendents. An annual account of espeaditures was to be
laid before Congresg. The armory at Harper's Perry was established
under this act, and the first muskets, to the number of 293, were made
there in 1801.'
At the Springfield armory 1044 muskets were made this year. The
number made in the three preyioua yeai-s were 245, 8S8, and 1028, re-
To meet these expenditures a direct tax was for the firat time laid by
Congress (July 14), to the amount of $300,000, to be assessed upon
dwelling honaes, lands, and slaves, according to a valuation, ordered by
a previous act. Dwellings were to pay from two-tenths to one per cent,
on the valuation, and slaves fifty cents each, the balance to be assessed
upon lands.'
On May 19, the armed national galley, Presiclent Aciams, was lamiched
at Pittsburg. The galley Senator Ross was then on the stocks, and the
two were among the earliest sea-going vessels constructed on the Ohio.
A brig of 120 tons, called the Arthur St. Clair, then building at Mari-
etta by Commodore Preble, and launched the next year, is said to have
been the first sea-rigged vessel Irora that river.^ After going to Ha-
vana, she was sold in Philadelphia. The ship Jolm Adams, of thirty-
two guns, was built this year, at Cochran's ship-yard in Charleston,
S. C, by Paul Pritchard.
The first American vessel built on Lake Ontario, the " Jemima," of
thirty tons, was also launched from Hanford's Landing, tliree miles
below Eoch ester.
The manufacturing town of Steubenviile, on the Ohio, was laid out
this year, by James Ross, Esq., of Pittsburg.
:b garden. Mr. At- hj horn instsad of fwine, retuinocl in its
tinson nlaei lie corn and made the brooraa place by a wooden pog. The haudles were
himself for fom yeara, when he ii^sociated nf otik, rough eharod with a drimirg knife,
with Beaaloel Croasdttle. They jointly sup- The business is atili contiiinod in the neigh-
plied Pliiladelphia and neighboring towns, borhood.
Baltimore, and ocoaaionally New Yorlf, until (I) Ibid., Toi. 4, ohap. S5.
1816 or laiO, irhoQ others engaged in the (2) Seybert, 837.
buaineBB, in consequence of the high price (3) Laws U. S., vol. 4, chap. 93.
of brooms during the war, when they sold (4) Ornig'a Hiat. Pittsburg. — Brown's
for 84.50 per doaon. Their Erst mannfao- Western Gaaelte, SOS.
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78 BONNET BRAtD — BOOKS— DYE STCFrS. [1108
The mamifauture of straw plait or braid for liats and bonnets, was
originated at tiiia time, in Providence, R. I. Miss Betsy Metealf, after-
ward Mrs. Balier, at tlio ago of twelve years, without previous instruc-
tions, succeeded in malting from oat straw, smootlied with her scissors
and split with her thumb-nail, a bonnet of seven braids with bobbin in-
serted like open work, and lined with pink, in imitation of the English
straw bonnets, then fashionable, and of high price. It was bleached by
holding it in the vapor of burning sulphur. The article was much ad-
mired, and many camo from neighboring towns to see it, and to order
bonnets for themselves, at half the price of the imported. Young
women were gratuitously instructed in the art hy the inventor, and this laid
the foOndation of an extensive branch of bnsiness in Providence, Ded-
ham, Wrentham, and other towns in New England and thronghont the
country. '
In June, 1798, Matthew Carey issned the thirteenth volume of the
American Mnseum, a periodical which contribnted much to the advance-
ment of literature and manufactures in the TTnifced States. Twelve con-
secutive volumes were published between the years 1187 and 1792, but
inadequate means compelled the editor, long a disinterested benefactor
of the manufaotaring classes, to discontinue it.
The Cyclopedia, in 18 volumes quarto, with nnmerous plates, the first
of its kind in the United States, wm also issued by Thomas Dobson of
Philadelphia. Three additional volumes were afterward published.
The manufacture of dye stnffs was commenced in Kcw York by the
founder of the respectable house of William Partridge & Son, still en-
gaged in the same bnsiness. Among the articles first introduced in this
country l)y them, were lae dye, bichromate of potash, argal, peach and
Hicaragua wood.
Mr. Tennant, of Glasgow, this year patented an improved method of
preparing chloride of lime for bleaching, which had an important influence
upon the cotton and linen manafactnre.
Long cotton began first to be generally grown as a crop in South
Carolina about this time.
Samuel Slater entered into copartnership with Oziel WilUinson, whoso
(1) This traditional aoeonnt of tho turn- befota the Rhode lelanil Sociatj (it tho
ble but Indopondent origin in the Unitaa encourage ment of Domeatia Miinu failures.
States, of an art long practiced in Tuscan; Sept. 2S, 1SS8, and published in the &o-
nnd other Italinn statea — hut then otreoent cietj's Tronsactions. It is ntao authenti-
introdnotion in England, where it was calod by a letter written a few years ago by
the subject of a p.itent, iu May, of this Mrs, Baker, ivto made a fao simile of .the
year, by Peter Boileau — was the subject of first bonnet braided by her, ■which was de-
a con£rniatoi-y memoir, read by Judge posited in the Society's eollections.
Staples, author of the Annals of Providence,
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1193] sXiATEb's mills— pterson's iron woeks. 79
daughter he had married, and Timothy Green and William Will.insoii,
also BOQs-in-law of the latter, under the firm name Samnel Slater & Co.,
Mr. Slater owning one half the stock. They erected on the east side, of
the Pawtncket river, a cotton mill, afterward linnwn as the Neiv Mill,
which was the second built by Slater, and the first upon the Arkwright
principle in Massachusetts. Both the old and new mills were superin-
tended hy Slaier, who received a compensation of $1.50 per diem from
each, and by his laborious and eoustaat personal attention, overcame the
numerous difficulties attending first enterprises.
The hands in this mill soon after revolted, and five or sis of them went
to Cumberland and erected a small mill, owned by Bhsha Waters and other
persons, named Wnlcot. By these men and their connections several fac-
tories were commenced in various parts of the country ; most of the estab-
lishments erected from ligo to 1809 having, in fact, been built by men
who had directly or indirectly derived the knowledge of the business
from Pawtacket, the cradle of the cotton mannfacture. Slater's patterns
and models were stolen by his servants ; his improvements thus became
extended over the country, and the business was rapidly introduced in
other places.'
TLe large Ramapo or Fierson's Iron works on the Ramapo riyer in
Hampated, Bockland Co., New York, were put in operation this year hy
J. G. Pierson & Brothers. Tliey consisted of a forge, rolling aiid slit-
ting mills, works for cutting and heading nails by water, saw and grist
mills, etc' The nail machine wm patented by J, Q, Piereoii in March
1195.
John Fitch navigated a model steamboat at Bardstown, Eentucky.
The Legislature of Now York had repealed, in March, the law granting
special privileges to Fitch, and transferred them' to Robert R. Living-
ston for twenty years, on condition that ho should within, twelve months
build such a boat to go fonr miles an hour. The unfortunate inventor of
the steamboat, having previously tried his fortunes nnsnccessfiilly in
Europe, died in the course of the year at Bardstown, while prosecuting
his claims to lands purchased in Kentucky, many years before, and just
as a brighter prospect was dawning upon him. In conformity to his
wishes he was buried on the shores of the Ohio, that he might repose
" where the song of the boatman would enliven the stillness of his resting
place, and the music of the steam engine soothe his spirit."
Experiments in steam navigation, with a boat of thirty tons, were
made near Kew York by Nicholas L Eooseveldt and Robert R. Living-
ston, soon after the partner of Robert Fulton, who during the year pro-
(I) Memoir of Slator. (2) SpalToril'a QfliettePi- of N, Y,
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80 PATENTS — WmTTEMOEE — FULTON. [1V98
posed to the Legislature of the state to propel ii vessel by steam on ne\v
principles, if assured of its exclusive advantages when successful.
Eooseveldt, in connection with James Sullivan, took oat a United
States patent (May 31) for a double steam engine, and soon after con-
structed probably the first effective steam engine, after those of I'it<;h,
ever bnilt in America. He completed one in 1800, with a wooden boiler,
through which long cylindrical flues or heaters wound several times
before entering the chimney. It was for the use of the PhiladeJphia
water works, for which he constructed two double engines, and contracted
to supply three mi'liions of gallons of water daily if required, with the
privilege of using the surplus power of the lower engine on the river
Schuylkill for various manufactnring purposes,
A steam saw mill, the first recorded, was patented by Eobert McKean
(March 24). David Williinson, an ingenious and enterprising machinist
of Pawtucket, who rendered Slater and the early cotton manfacturers
much service, patented a screw cutting machine, afterward operated hy
water power at Pawtucket Tails.
Seven or eight patents were given for hydraulic machinery of different
kinds, for which the demand was becoming extensive, including a machine
for raising water by M. I. Briinel.
In December, Hon. Hug-h Oir, for over half a centmy an ingenious and
enterprising mechanician of Bridgewater, Mass., who made the first
muskets, and bored cannon, and the first cotton machinery in this
country, died at the age of eighty-two.
Amos Whitteraore visited England, for the purpose of securing
a patent for his card machinery. On his return the same year, ho
I^QQ *^'"^™^'^ ^ partnership with his brother and Eobert WilHams of
Boston, under the firm style of Williams, Wliittemore & Co.,
and commenced the manufacture at West Cambridge, where the business
has been carried on by the family of the inventor, nearly or quite to the
present time. They were soon able to finish 200 dozen pair per week.
The sales of cotton yarn had at tliis time become sufficiently promis-
ing to induce another company to set up a cotton mill in Ehorte Island ;
and Messrs. Almy, Brown & Slater, made considerable addition to
their "old milL" Their investments during the next seven years, were
more particularly in the business of spinning, and it was thenceforth con-
tinually on the increase,
Eobert Fulton this year introduced into Paris the first panoramic
painting, aided by optica! illusions, ever exbibited in that city.'
(1) See vol. 1, 389-90.
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1?99] PATENTS — BXIOUTe — COTTON SEED OIL. 81
The patents issued this year, included one to Mark Isambard Brunei,
for a machine for writing with two pens (Jan. 11) ■ to John Scars, for a
machine for man a facta ring salt (Jan. 24). Tho patentee was an enter-
prising salt maaufaotarer of Cape Cod, Mass. One to Benjamin Dear-
born, for liis celebrated steelyards or Patent Balance (Feb.U); to
Jacob Perkins, for an improyement in making nails (Feb. 14) ; and one
to the same, for a check to detect counterfeits (March 19). Both of
these last were valuable inventions ; to Benjamin Tyler for a flax and
hemp mill (Feb. SS) ; to Charles Whiting of Mass., for extracting oil
from cotton seed (Mar. 2) ;' and to Robert R. Livingston of New York,
for mannfacturing paper.
As this year closes the century, it may be proper to give a brief sum-
mary of the state of commerce in the country.
The total vaJne of the exports of tlie United States for the year, was
$18,665,622, of which $33,142,522 was the growth, produce, or manufac-
ture of the Union. The total value of the imports was estimated at
$f9,069,148.
New York this year, first took the lead of other states in the amonnt
of ite exports, which were $18,719,527. The other states ranked in the
following order, as to the value of their exports ; Marjlacd, Penngjlva-
Ilia, Maasaehosetts, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Delaware, Vermont]
(1) In IV69-T0, Dr. Otis, of BetMsheo,, for six ,a«rs. B«t the l.rg„ quantity re-
Pa,, ptejBDied to thfl Am. Pl.iiosoph. So- quired appears to have defeated the obiuot
»ietr,fhro«ghDr.Bond,asttmpl9ofoilmD.de A medal waa offered by the S. C. Agrionl.
llfld eotton mad. It w
I after ila orgHij
wera apeoimena of the oil of sunflower aeed 1JS5, for oil from ooKon eeed a
eihibitBdatHiesainBtame,-bT the Mora- oleaginous seed. Patents wore taken out
liana at that place, and in much the aamo in 1B19, by Daniel Qillett of Springfield,
way as linseed oil, at the rate of nine pints Mass., for preparing food from eotton seed
ofoiltoabnahelnndahalfofaeed. It was and the next year by Geo. P. Diggea of
said to be used medieinally in tho West Virginia, for estraeUng oil from the seed.
[ndies—Mi?. 21-o„,. vol, 1. The London But it is only Ttithin a few years (bat a uew
SseietyofArfs, in 1783, basing learned that aouree of profit to the Southern ootlon
eotton seed yielded oil seed eake as food for planter, has been found in the manufacture
oattle, in order to enoonriigo the eultiTation of oil and seed eake, from the thousanda of
of flotton,oiferad a gold medal OS a premium tons of aeed which annu.iUj enourabercd:
tor oil expressed from cotton seed, and oil the oatatea, or was used on tho poorer soils
eake from the remaining aeed, made by as manure. Tlio saving to be thus effected
plSDters in the Eritiah West India Islands, baa been differently estlmntod at from,
in qnantitiea of not leaa than one ton of oil twenty to thirty millions of dollars annu-
snd five iundrod weight of cake. A silver aily. Some aixleen or more patents have
medal was offered for mailer quantities, been taken out, for machinosfor hulling the.
and the premiums were annually tenenod aeed fur that purpose.
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82 STATISTICS OF EXPOKTS AHD TONNAGE. [_I1^9
New Jersey. Tto exports from Vermont were $20,480, and were the
first from that state of whict returns were made.
The average annual exports of flour from the United States during
the last five years, were 596,140 barrels ; of potash 4,631 tons ; of pearl-
ash 3,024 tons; of tobacco 14,100 hogsheads; of tar 52,113 barrels; of
pitch 1,145 barrels; of rosin 9,803, and of turpentine 45,696 barrels.
The a7crage yearly value of all domestic articles exported in the same
period, was $32,822,965.
The exports from the United States to Louisiana and the Floridaa,
were $3,504,092, of which $441,824 were domestic articles. The im-
ports from the same were $507, 132. St. Genevieve and New Bourbon,
in Upper Loaisianu (now Missouri), produced 110,000 pounds of lead,
of which 36,000 pounds were sent to New Orleans. The population of
St. Louis was 925.
Tiie total tonnage of every description belonging to the Union, was
946,408 tons, of wbieli 669,191 was registered tonnage engaged in the
foreign trade, 220,904 enrolled in the coasting trade, and the balance
was enrolled and licensed tonnage employed in the coasting trade and
fisheries.
,y Google
CI-IArTER II.
ANXALS OP MANDFACTU:
IS 00— 1810.
Directing our attention, first to those acts of legislation, wliicli may
be said to have had a direct or indirect bearing upon manufacturing
industry, we note, that on Feb. 28, Congress passed an act, pro-
1800 yiding for the second census of the inhabitants of the United
States, to commence on the first Monday in August. The returns gave
the total population of twenty-one states and territories, as 5,319,763,
of which number, 89e,849 were alaves.
la April, the kw relating to Patent Kights, was modified so as to
restore to aliens, who had rGsideii two years within the United States,
al! the riglits and privileges enjoyed by citizens, under the act of
21 Feb., 1193. The legal representatives of a deceased inventor, were
empowered to receive a patent. The violation of the rights of patentees
was made punishable, by a forfeiture of three times the amount of the
damages.
The quantity of spirits distilled in the United States from foreign
materials (chiefly in the Eastern States), during the year, was 1,290,476
gallons, and from domestic materials 51,625 gallons, on which the gross
amount of duties was $142,779, The aggi'egate capacity of all tlie
stills employed, was 2,08i;2I2 gallons ; upon which the aggregate duty
was $372,661. The total quantity of spirits distilled from molasses
since Jan. 1, 1790, was 23,148,404 gallons, of which 6,322,640 gallons
were exported. '
The quantity of refined sugar sent out of the reSneries during the
year, was 3,349,896 pounds, and the gross amount of duties thereon, was
$66,998."
The quantity of cotton grown in the United States this year, was
about 35,000,000 of pounds, of which 17,800,000 were exported. Of
this, about 16,000,000 of pounds went to England, constituting over one-
fourth of the total importation of cotton into that country. The quan-
(1) Sejbert, 231, 461. (2) Ibid, ila.
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S4 MOROCCO MANDPACTirUE—
[1800
tity manufacturDd in the Uaited States, was upward of 8,000,000
pounds, of which, only about 500 bales were consumed in regular es-
tablishments,'
The caterpillar or cotton- worm, first commenced its devastations in
Sonth Carolina.
The first cotton-spinning machine in France, was this year introduced
from England, through Ghent, and was presented to the flrat consul.
It was, about the same time, introduced for the first time into Switzer-
land, in the canton of St. Ga]], where it was followed the next jear by
the power loom, recently brought into general use in England. Machine
(pinning was introduced into Saxony the year previous.
The price of cotton twist in Rhode Island, wag as follows : for
number 12, 103 cents ; number 16, 119 cents ; camber 20, 136 cents ;
ftn increase of fifteen cents on the prices of 1194,
The man faeture of mo occo leather was about this time commenced,
at Lynn Mass ly Will am Rose, an Englisliman, who had been
reeularlyi el to tl" b ness in Loudon. His dwelling and manufac-
tory 0 p e Itl e I resent s te of the grounds and residence of Stephen
01 76 Jr H s 3 c ess vas great, bnt through imprudence he became
bank uj t in al u t e gl fc years ; and in 1809, resumed the business in
Ohaile town where t hid been previously revived since the Kevolu.
tion — al out the y ar 1 96 —by Elisha Mead. In the following year
he removed to Noithampton, Connecticut, which he left in 1814, and
four years after, died in poverty, at Sterling, Mass. The morocco
business iu Lynn, was successively prosecuted by Joshua R. Gore,
Francis Moore & Henry Healy, Wm. B. & Joshua Whitney, Carter
& Tarbell, Samuel Mullilten, Daniel K. Witt & Joseph Mansfield;
who were the principal manufacturers during the ten years after
Rose left. The apprentices of the latter introduced the business in
several other towns.
The Salem Iron Manufacturing Company, in Mass., was incorporated
with power to hold real and personal estate, to the value of $330,000.
A rapid increase in the prodnction of iron commenced about this timo
in England, which this year made 180,000 tons.
The building of vessels was commenced at Elizabeth, on the Monon-
gahela river, sixteen miles above Pittsburg, by Col. Stephen Bayard,
who laid out the town in ItST ; and at this time took oat a company of
»hip carpenters from Philadelphia, and established a ship-yard. The
first vessel built was the ship Monongahola Farmer.
(1) Claiboroe'B Report to Commiesioners of PatenW, ISST,
,y Google
1800] PATENTS IN 180O — CABTOK OIL. 85
Patents were tins year granted to Oliver Evans (Jan. 16), for an
improvement in stoves and grates. This was for tlie lamiuous atove, with
doors or lights of talc, and designed for burning the recently discovered
hard Lehigh or stone coal, which conld not be barned in common stoves.
His grate stoves are believed to have been the first to come into general
use, and were the first in which talc was used. John G-. Gebhavd, of
N. Y., received a patent (Feb. 4) for extracting oil from Palma Christi,^
John J. Hawkins, of Philadelphia, patented (Feb. 12) an improve-
ment in the piano-forte, which he manufactured and sold, at fifteen South
Second St., under the name of Patent Portable Grand Piano, j« his card
states, at little more than half the price of imported grand or sqnare
pianos. He also manufactured a patent ruling machine ; and later in
the year, took oat another patent, for an improvement in musical in-
struments. John Biddis, who had before received two patents for
improvements of a chemical nature, was granted one (May 6) for an
engine for reducing silk, cotton, worsted, cloth, etc., to their original
state, to be manufactured. This was a very early attempt to utilize such
refuse materials, which, by the aid of modern machinery, now form the
basis of an extensive manufacture of shoddy in England, and to some
extent in this country, and which has materially affected the production
of woolen goods in the United States. Peter Lorillard, of New York,
patented (June 28) a machine for cutting tobacco, of which he was an
extensive mannfacturer. Jonathan Grant, Jr., of Belchertown, Mass.,
filed (Oct. i) the description of an improved telegraph. This inven-
tion, made two years before, was put in operation between Boston and
Martha's Vineyard, a distance of ninety miles, and a question was trans-
mitted and answered in less than ten minutes.^
In February, Henry Wiswell, Zenas Crane, and John Willard, of
(1) Th m f t f aa(or-Qil, from or castor nut, grew abunilnrtly in the state,
tbe cnst II p Ima ohriati, tbe and yielded from 100 to ISO gallons of oil
fiiciJiiu C fL Kua— which ia totbaaero. A Mr. Budolph, of Camden, a
now eito ly p t d in saveral parts faw jaars after the date in our text, bod
of the U p t lirly the Western fifty or eisty acres nndar eultlTatJon with
8tal*a— e ployed one oc two mills in Hew the ptant, from wbieh he had produced large
York, ns eorly aa 1789. The A^ricultaral qaantidas of cold drawn oil by espresaion.
Booiaty of Sontb Carolina, eoon after ita in. :t was first extensively manufaetured in the
corporation in 1JS5, offered among other United States, aoma years later, at New.
preminma, medals, for the largest quantities bern, in Hurth Carolina- In quality, Ameti-
of oils from the nlive— cuttings of which can enstor oil is equal to tha beat Kiist
they dislribnted— from ground nuts, aeaa- Indian,
mum or bane aeed, cotton and snnBower (2) Holmca'a Annala.
MadB, and for eastor oil. The palma ehrisli
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1801
8$ rAPER MILLS — rtlLTOS'a SUEMAaiNS BOAT. [1801
Dalton, Mass., pi-opoaing to erect a paper mill at that place, issued ao
earnest appeal to the ladies of Berkshire, to sare their rags,
Thcj built the first paper mill in the eonnty, which went into
operation the nest year, and is now'kuown as the " Old Berkshire" mill.
They made about twenty tons of paper annually, until 1807, when
Wiswell and Carson became the managers until 1810, since which time,
it has been run by David Carson and his sons. In 1855, this mill mads
180 tons of paper yearly, worth twenty ceuta a pound. It employed
sisty hands, having been much enlarged by its present owners.^
A Mast furnace, erected about 1786, near the Chicopoe Tails, by
James Byers and William Smith, this year passed into the hands of
Benjamin Belcher, of Baston, and Abijah and Wm. Witherill, who bnilt
a foundry and enlarged the business. In 1805, Mr. Belcher purchased
the right to the whole) and continued the bnsiaess until 1822, when he
sold the land and water privilege, on which the extensive mannfactunng
village of Chicopee Falls now stands, the iron business having been
still conducted by his sons until 1846. Some castings are yet made
there. °
Bobert Fulton, having for several years pursued his experiments with a
Bubraarine boat, and had his plans twice rejected by the French Directory,
and alsn by the British Government, descended in the presence of com-
missioners appointed by Bonaparte, with three men, in a plunging boat
in the harbor of Brest, to the depth of twenty-five feet, and remained ono
hour. His vessel was capable of sailing like a common boat on the sur-
face, and, after striking her mast, could be made to dive and bs moved in
any direction under water at the rate of about three miles an hour. He
also blew up a small vessel in the harbor with a submarine bomb con-
taining twenty pounds of powder, and made various other experiments
at Brest and Havre with diving boats, with a view to having them
employed by the government against the enemy's shipping. He was
unsuccessful, and in 1804 repeated his experiments in England, where on
the i5th Oct., 1805, he blew up a strong Dutch brig of 200 tons, in
Walmar Eoads, but fortunately did not succeed in introducing into the
naval appointmeots of the nation so destructive an agency. In December
of the following year he returned to America, where his genius found its
greatest triumph in the achievement of steam navigation.
The ship Benjamin Franklin arrived at Philadelphia bringing Don
Pedro, the first full-blooded Merino buck imported into the United States.
He was one of four lambs, shipped in the same vessel, the others having
perished during a boisterous passage. They were selected at the request
(1) Hnlland's ITeatorn Mass. (2) Itid.
,y Google
1801] FIEST MERINO f
—WOOL CAUDINGI MACHINES. 81
of M. DijpontDe Nemours, who accompanied tliem, by M. Delesserfc, a
banker of Paris, ivho was at the head of a commission to select in Spain
on behalf of the French government, a flock of 4000 merino sheep out of
the number of 6000, which Spain had stipulated by the treaty of Baale
to present to Prance. Two of the sheep were intended for Roaendale, the
farm of M. Del^ert at Kingston, on the Hudson, oec for M. Dupont's
place near New York, and one as a present to Mr. Jefferson at Monticello.
Don Pedro was kept as a stock ram, first by Mr. Dnpont and afterward
at Eosendale, when he was sold, with the rest of Mr. Delessert'a flock, at
public auction, in 1805. He was purchased by Mr. Dupont for sixty dol-
lars and transferred to the farm of E. 1. Dupont, near Wilmington, Dela-
ware, where the farmers were offered the use of him gratis. Fine wool
sheep were thus multiplied in the neighborhood by Mr. Dnpont and others,
and soon after Dupont & Co. erected works for manufacturing fine wool.
His progeny in New York were scattered among the farmers, who knew
little of their value nntil Chancellor Livingston, who purchased many
of the ewes to cross with his Eambouillet stock, imported in the mean
time, taught them how to appreciate the breed.
Dr. James Mease, of Philadelphia, in 1196-1 sent two orders for me-
rino Sheep, and had one shipped to him which was washed overboard, in
a storm at the capes of Delaware, and this year sent another order to
Yznardi, the son of the American Consul at Cadiz, by whom two rams
and two ewea were shipped, which arrived in Dec. 1803.^
Arthur Scholfield, of Pittsfleld, Mass., who accompanied Samuel Slater
from England, and, in 1193, was concerned in starting the first incor-
porated woolen factory in the United States, at Byfield, in Newbury,
completed the first improved carding engine in New England. The
machine was constructed without the aid of patterns or drawings, which
the laws of England did not suffer him to bring away. During its con-
struction the builder is said to have been obliged to make one or two
voyages to England, to refresh his memory of the parts, and to have
J portions of the machine, or models and plans, concealed in his
(1) MsBse'a Archives of Useful Kncwl-
9dK«, vol. 1, p. 103. This ai-paars to hava
ram on the sMp Bald Eagle, to Boston;
been tha 6rst introdiictioii of Spanish sleep.
which lie gave to his friend, Andrew Oragie,
attanded iriili oej praotioal result. In a
Esq., of Cambridge, who seems not to have
letter of Robert Morris, dated Cot. SB, 178B,
been aware of their value, or to hare found
referanoe is said to be mode to two sheep.
no market for the wool. Mr. Poster, after
gent by M. Le Conteub: do Coumant. to this
an abaenoe of some years, ia said to have
oountry, presumed to have been of the Span-
met him at a sale where he was pnyiog
ish breed. In X793, the Hon. Wm. Poster, of
$1000 for a merino ram, and imiuiriug
Bosion, while a young man, traveling in
what hecarne of those he gave him, Mr.
Spain, smngglcd, en account of thoir ox-
Cragie replied, ''I simply ate them."
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88 SAW GIN — OOTTON STATISTICS. [1801
bedding. Oq its completion he annoanced that he was prepared to card
wool into rolls, at twelve and a half ceats the pound ; mixed, fifteen and
a half cents; or if proTionsly picked, mised, and greased, ten cents and
twelve and a half cents per pound. He soon after commenced the raanu-
factare of carding machines.
The dressing of cloth had been recently commenced in Dalton, by
Ezra Maynard.
AboQt this time the first carding macliines in Chelmsford (Lowell)
were run by Moses Hale.
Miller and Whitney, proprietors of the saw gin, haTing submitted to
the Legislature of South Carolina proposals to sell to the state, for the
sum of $100,000, so ranch of the patent right as appertained to that
state, where its use had become Tery extensive, and petitions hating been
presented from the planters, urging the transfer, the Assembly voted the
snm of $50,000 for that purpose. Although the price was deemed a
great sacriSce, the patentees accepted it as a certainty, and present
relief from their embarrassment.
President Jefferson, in his first annnal message to Congress, adverted
to the success which had attended the continued efforts to introduce,
among the Indians, the implements and practice of hnsbandvy, and the
household iits A spirit of peace and friendship generally, prevailed
among them, and some had begun to increase in popuJation, instead of
diminishing is heretofore. A letter from the Indian agent, Benjamin
H'iwkins accompaoying the message, states that one nation had just been
supphed with 100 pairs of cards, and eighty spinning wheels ; there were
eight ioomo in the nation, four of them wrought by Indian women, and
the lemainder bj m lute women. A young Englishman who could make
looms and spinning wheels, and understood weaving, was appointed a
temporary assistant One of the looms and two spinning wheels, were
made bj an Indun for Iiis own family.
The qi mtity of cotton growQ this year, in all countries, was estimated
at 530,000 000 pounds. Of the whole amount, 48,000,000 pounds, worth
$8,000,000, were the prodnct of the United States.
The capital employed in growing it was abont $80,000,000, and
the number of persons employed in growing and otherwise depen-
dant upon it, was 100,000, The American states produced cotton in the
following proportions, via : South Carolina, 20,000,000 pounds ; Georgia,
10,000,000 i Tirginia, 5,000,000 ; North Carolina, 4,000,000 ; and Ten-
nessee, 1,000,000 pounds. The quantity exported from the United
States, was 20,100,000, viz: Sonth Carolina, 10,000,000, Tirginia and
North Cai-olina, 5,000,000, and Georgia, 3,000,000 pounds. The
average price, during this year, of all kinds of American cotton, at the
i.Google
1301] EiirrAio — ship Buiuji^fc at niTSETJiio. 89
place of exportation, was forty-four cents, and the price in England was
from sevEEteen to thirty-eiglit pence atorling.i
The qnautity manufactured in the United States was 500 bales.
Buffalo, at the outlet of Lake Eric into Niagara river, at the month
of Buffalo creek, was this year laid out by the Holland Land Company.
In 1198 there were five dwellings, one tavern, and one store, ail of logs,
on the site.
A company of French merchants, under the name of Taraacon, Berthoud
& Co., from Pliiladelphia, with twenty ship carpenters, joiners, and other
mecbanics, commenced this year the bailding of vessels and keel boats,
to navigate tlie Ohio, being the first to engage in that business. This
undertaking was originated by Louis Anastasius Tarascon, a wealthy and
enterprising Fi-euchraan, who, in 1194, established himself in Philadelphia
as an importer of silks and French goods, and in 1799 sent two of his
clerks, Charles Erugiere and James Berthoud, to examine the Ohio and
Mississippi from Pittsbnrg to Kew Orleans, and ascertain the practica-
bility of clearing ships, ready rigged, from Pittsburg to the West Indies and
Europe. Their report being favorable, he immediately, with his brother
and others, commenced a large establishment at Pittsburg, consisting of
wholesale and retail store, warehouse, ship-yard, rigging and sail-loft, anchor
shop, block manufactory, and every thing necessary to complete a vessel
for sea. He built, during the summer of this year, the schooner Amity,
of 120 tons, and the ship Pittsburg, of 250 tons. In the following spring
they sent the schooner to St. Thomas, and the ship to Philadelphia, laden
t fl d tl t B d aux, and brought back a cargo of wine,
b ]j, J 1 F 1 g d part of which was sent to Philadelphia,
d t f t (jht t p t pound for transportation. They built,
li y th ! N f 200 tons, and in 1803, the ship Louisi-
f 350 1 1 tl y t ballasted with " Stone Coal" and other
t 1 t PI 1 1 Ipl 1 the coal sold for thirty-seven and a half
t J I I I I h ng year the ship Western Trader was
b It by th fi
moDtha or toils'
the npworil poBi
oat
population, over about 11,21 2 miles '
ifnaTi-
rill
gation, with three aveoueg hj wate.
tothe
_,,, in
oooan. This, with its immenBe sj?
tern of
leans, and
ty trutj
odB at the
"the gateway of tlie nest." IlB vai
idg of the
trade, new conduoied like its land
iraffle,
Pittsburg,
with the nimost spaed and tegula
rityhy
i.Google
90 BOOK FAIKS— COMPOfND BLOW PIPE — SOCIETIES. [1801
Mr. John Irwin about flie same time established a ropewalk in Alle-
gheny, which he carried on extensively with Ma son, tlirty-fiye years after.
The American Company of Booksellers doing bnsiness in New York
Philadelphia, and Boston, was form 1 It fnilat 1th I fb k ly
Fairs, the first of whieh was held nth n ny anlplbtd
anction sales by any of its memberb onpnfxjl n Ajtmf
exchafigea was also arranged betwe n th t and 1 ^ and [ n
sive editions were published at the j nt expen e t tb mj any each
dealer subscribing for a certain numl f p th w 1! d T ade
Books, and were delivered in sheet f 1 1 d an I II t 1 n wh 1 f m
these and other new books were at fi t h fly ff 3 at tl T d S 1
The Philadelphia Premiam Society was instituted for the purpose of
fostering American industry by giving premiums for improvements in
arts and manufactures.
The compound or oxyhjdrogeo blow pipe was this year invented by
the late Prof Robert Hare, of Philadelphia. By its aid many substances
before deemed infusible were readily melted in a burning jet of the mixed
gases. Profesor Silliman, a few years later, succeeded in melting lime
and magnesia with it, and burned all the well-known metals, gna flint
and corundam gems, producing, dar'mg the operation, light brighter than
that of the suu. The hydrostatic blow pipe or bellows, invented by Dr.
Hare soon after, was also capable of melting strontia and other refractory
substances, '
jPIax was this year first grown on the Genesee Flats, in Ontario Co.,
New York, where it has since been extensively cultivated.
The Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, instituted at New
Haven ia 1199, was this year incorporated " for the purpose of encour-
aging literary and philosophical researches in general, and particularly
for investigating the natural history of the state. ""
The President sent a fleet into the Mediterranean to protect American
shipping. The government purchased twelve acres of land at Philadel-
phia, for a Navy Yard, at a cost of $37,500.
menna of atesm, was first commenced in iDctes deep, to serve os trnnsportB. Tbia
1756, by the ascent frnm tbe Miasiasippi of was the begioning of the boat building
about thirty hatteaus iin'l 150 man laden business there. Tlie building of Kentuclij
wth iplesf P tDq On th fiat andkeel-boats, became a large business
3d F b 1717 1 1 n rp t d on the several tributaries of the Ohio.
SBwy rs am 1 f m Pb 1 d Ifh a, d (1) SilliHlan'B Jonr., vol. 1, p. 98. Eeg.
w ttwk wmUnth of Arts, vol. 1, p. 362.
M ghlfnit ml h Pt (2) JJiUer's Ketiospoct of 18th Century,
P tt wh th b 1 h ] I f ty vol. 2, p. 2S8.
feet Igbj nftwi d tbirtj tw
i.Google
ISOl] STRAW BONNETS— SPADES /
:eam engines.
The maDijfactui'e of straw bonnets was this year commenced at Wren-
tham, Mass., which soon became a principal seat of that business.
The extensive establishment of Oliver Ames & Sons, for the raana-
facture of spades and shovels, was commenced at Easton, Mass.
Oliver Evans, of Philadelphia, this year completed, at his own expense,
a small steam engine, with a six inch cylinder and eighteen inch stroke,
at a cost of 13,100, which he applied to grind plaster of Paris, recently
introduced as a fertilizer, from Nova Scotia, ehieaj through the efforts of
Jndge Peters, of Philadelphia, who published a treatise on the subject in
119.7. The success of the little engine, with which he was able to break
300 bushels, or twelve tons, of plaster id twenty-four hours, excited much
attention. It was soon after employed to drive twelve saws, in sawing
stone at the rate of 100 feet of marble in twelve hours. This engine
was upon the high pressure system, since so extensively employed on
railways, steamboats, and in factories, and which was this year patented
by the Cornish engineer Trevethick, in England, whitber Evans had sent
drawings and specifications of his engine, several times during the last
twelve or fifteen years, during the whole of which time the inventor had
continually urged its importance for the propulsion of carriages, and of
steamboats on the western rivers, by the aid of paddle wheels. It waa
coaiineneed in the last year, his original purpose being to construct a
locomotive steam carriage, as a debt of honor to the stale of Maryland,
which, in 1186, granted him exclusive privileges for the use of his improve-
ments in iour mills and steam carriages, after his own state had rejected
the latter as visionary. He had been unable to find any person to risk
the expense, but was encouraged by Professor Robert Patterson, of the
University of Pa., and Mr. Charles Taylor, a steam engineer from Eng-
land, to whom he explained the principles of his eng wh h th y pro-
nounced new to them. The Philosophical Society al o fa oun-
tenanced it as to reject that portion of a report on t am I y B.
P. Latrobe, Esq., a scientific engineer of the city, in I h i 1 nled
the " Steam Mania" of Evans and others. The S t h w re-
tained a part of the report, in which Mr. Latrobe lah d t I v the
impossibility of propelling boats economically by steam, on account of the
engine, a scheme nearer realization in America than steam propulsion by
land.^ The locomotive was not completed until 1804.
(1) The first legislative aot eror made
Viriaii, waa employed for tho first timo on
authoriaiag a public railrn^d, naa this year
the Merthyr Tydvit road, in South Wales,
grftnled by Pftdiaaent, fgr the Snrrj iron
in 1804; and the first public milrond on
tramrond ia Englwid, Dine milea long, on
which steam was applied, was the Stoeliton
which horse-poiier was employed, althoBgh
and Darlington, twenly-five miles long.
private tramways of wood had been lung in
opened Sept- 2e, 1825, and worked by loeo-
use, A locomotive, bailt by Trevebhiok &
motive and stationary engines, and horses.
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92 PATEHTS — NEW JEK8EY lEON WORKS. [1801
Among the patents issued this year, was one to Col, Alexander
Anderson, of Philadelphia (Jan. 26), for brewing with Indian corn, and
one to the same (Jan. 28), for a condenser for heating the wash in dis-
tilling. This process, by which the whole heat of steam is communicated
to the wash without danger of burning it, effected a great saying in fnel
and labor, and was one of the roost important improvements as yet intro-
duced in distilling. Messrs. Anderson and Hall, the former of whom
had also patented a steam still in 1196, had the improvements in opera-
tion soon after in their stills at Lamberton, N, J., and they were also
adopted by others. Two patents for improved evaporating processes in
distilling, were also patented (Feb. 12 and Marcli 2) by Benjamin Henfrey.
Jesse Eeed, of Mass., took a patent (June 9) for nails milled out of heated
rods, aud Wm. Leslie one for cutting and heading nails (Nov. 5),
Richard Eobotham, of Hudson, N. Y., received letters patent (Oct. 10)
for an air pump ventilator for ships, mines, etc., and one of the same
date for a machine for ruling paper, etc. Malting paper from curriers'
shavings was the subject of a patent (Dec. 28) by Joseph Condit, Jr., of
New Jersey.
A fflenional presented t > Congress, March 30, from citizens of Morris,
Sn set and Berpen counties in ^ew Jersey, concerned in. the manufac-
tnie of bar cast and rolled iron, nail rods, and nails, asking an
' increase of duties on imported iron, was accompanied by the fol-
lowing statement of the number of furnaces, forges, etc., in the state.
The number of forges thtn actually carried on was over 150, which at a
moderate cakulition winll produce twenty tons of bar iron each, annu-
ally amounting to 3000 toni Seven blast furnaces in operation would
yield on an aveiige 500 tons each, amounting to 3500 tons annually.
There weie SIX blabt furnaces not then in operation, and many nnim-
proved sites equal to any in the state, besides many forges and sites for
forges in the same condition. Of the forges above mentioned, about 120
were in the counties of Morris, Sussex, and Bergen, besides three blast
furnaces all actually going. The state was capable of furnishing at least
6000 tons of bar iron annually, and TOOO tons of cast iron. There were
four rolling and slitting mills, which rolled and silt on an average 200
tons, one half of which was manufactured into nails. The memorial was
adopted at a public meeting and is signed by John Cobb, chairman.
By a resolution of the house these reports and memorials, with others
from sundry calico printers, cordwainers, and shoemakers, were laid over
to the next session.
The internal revenue duties on licences for the sale of wines and liquors,
on refined sugar, sales at auction, and on carriages, which by an act of
1802 ,
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18023 coPTRiGnTS — 0A9 LraHTiNa 93
the last session had been eontinned without limitation, were repealed
along with those on distilled liquors and stills, and on stamps, all of
which ceased after 30th Jnne.
April 29th, — A- supplementary copyright act, required the notice of
auch right having heeu secured to be inserted in the title page or the
following, instead of heing published in the newspapers. It extended
the privileges of copyright to embrace designs, etchings, or engravinga
of historical or other prints.
A proposition was made to light the neighborhood of Central Square,
in Philadelphia, with gas. Benjamin Ilenfroy, an Englishman, who in
ITS! endeavored to form a mining company, and dnring the last year
had explored for coal near Baltimore, and also experimented with gaa
from wood in that city, and Richmond, which he actually succeeded in
lighting with it, was proposed as a proper person to accomplish it. He
proposed to light it with gas from coal, and was a!so an applicant to
light the United States light-houses on the sea-coast in the same manner.
He received letters patent from the United States government (April 16)
for an "improvement, being a cheap mode of obtaining light from fuel."
In the spring of this year, the first application of gas which attracted
any attention, was made by Mr. William Murdoch, the engineer of
Messrs. Bolton and Watt, who, on the occasion of the national iliumina-
tion at the peace of Amiens, lighted up the front of the Soho mannfac-
tory of his employers, with a public display of gas lights. The first
applieationofcoalgasforiliumination, wasmadeby Mr. Murdoch in 1T92,
when he lighted his own dwelling-house and offices at liedruth, in Corn-
wall, and in 1797, erected gas apparatus in Ayrshire, and the next year
litted up the gas work at Soho, near Birmingham. In 1804-5, the
extensive cotton mills of the Messrs. Philips and Lee, at Manchester,
were fitted up with 900 burners, giving a light equal to 2,500 candles,
under the superintendence of Mr. Murdoch, who has been considered
the parent of this mode of illumination. Its use from that time became
general, and London was lighted with gas in 1807.'
(1) The earliest distinct menll f
mp C3 th
Iph m 11 m t m
b d 1
g h Ty tl J I m t
ia a "Latter from Mr. John CI jt
m ]ph
I ts I h 1 X
Reutor gf Crottoa, M Walsefield, T k
f m 1 ti
t I U yd
ahiie, to tlie Boyal Society, May 1 1688
Jt w B
bl 7 w Id b
giriog an account of several oba t
f th J pia
dth gh t dm
In Virginia, and in hia voyage ftitb , m
Eiyc t
by« t pw d
parlioularly eoncerning the Air." The
therewith. I
bare Sept of this spirit »
anthoF, whose remarks on tlia natural his-
ooEsidcrable t
ime in bladders, and though
tory of Virginia va havs before oiled, in
if it was only blown with air.
speaking of the melaotology of the country,
yetiflletitf.
Drthandfireditwilhamnlcli
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9f MEEINO BHEEP — FIEST BOOK TRADE SALE, [1802
The fii-st considerable importatioa of Spanish merino sheep yet raade
into the tTnitcd States, arrived in May, in the ship PerseTerancc of 250
tons, Capt Caleb Coggesball master, ahont fifty days from Lisbon,
where they were shipped on the 10th April, by the Hon. David Hum-
phreys, United States Ambassador at the court of Madrid. They were
landed at Derby, Conn., having been transfeiTod to a sloop in the
harbor of New York. They consisted of twenty-one rams and seventy
ewes, from one to two years old, out of a flock of 100, four rams and
five ewes having died on the passage. They had been purchased for
Col. Humphreys itt Spain, by a reputable person, and driven across
the country of Portugal by three Spanish stepherds, escorted by a guard
of Portuguese soldiers. The Trustees of the Massaehusetts Society for
Promoting Agriculture, at a meeting held on 28th Augnst, when a letter
on the subject from Mr. Humphreys to Aaroa Destcr was read, voted
the thanks of the meeting for the communication, and on 29th Oct.,
voted to present him with the gold medal of the Society, "for his
patriotic exertions in importing into H'ew England lOO of the merino
breed of sheep, from Spain, to improve the breed of that usefal animal
in his own country."
On the lith April, Mr. Humphreys dedicated to the Frince Regent
of Portngat a poem " on the Industry of the United States of America,"
written at Lisbon, and designed "to show the prodigious influence of
national indnstry in producing public and private riches and enjoyment.'"
About the same time that Mr. Humphreys' flock arrived from Spain,
the Hon. Eobert B. Livingston, tbe American minister resident at Paris,
sent, for his farm at Clermont, in New York, some half-a-dozen or more
Belected from the national stock at Eambouillet, near Paris.
The introduction of these two lots of pure merinos, and the exertions
of their respective owners, within a few years, much improved the breeds
of the conntry, and several manufactories of fine woolens, with appro,
priate machinery, wero established, which afforded a market for the wool,
and induced others to import fine wooled sheep, while it stimulated im-
provements in sheep hnsijandry generally. The price of Spanish merino
bncks, at this time, was about $300.
In June, a literary Fair or Trade Sale of books was held in New York
for the first time in the United States, which was attended by a large
number of booksellers. It was held under the auspices of the American
or onndle, it ironld continna to bnrn nntil incuts, ia the diatillation of the " Spirit of
all were spont." In n latter written ftliout Confe," aai appears to have made a near
the same time, to the Hon, Enborl Eojio, approeeh to a praotioal discoTcrj.
pubUshod in the Phibsophioid Transaotions (1) Misoel. Works of D. Humphreys,
for 1733, he detulla more fullj bia experi- 4tlied., N. Y., ISOi, pp. 225, 346.
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or ■WESTEEN STATES — COTTON GIK. S5
Company of Booksellers, among whom was Mr. Carey of PMIadelphia,
a leading publisher, and who was one of the first to suggest it, and most
energetic in its support. It was proposed to hold them statedly, and al-
ternately at New Torlc and Philadelphia. The publishing business was,
through their agency, rapidly increased in all the principal cities. '
On July 31, two weekly journals were published in Ohio ; the "Western
Spy," at Cincinnati, and the " Sciota Gazette," at Chilicothe, the first-
inland town in the north-western territory which had a press. They were
printed on paper of inferior qaality, brought from Georgetown, Kentucky,
on horseback, and their united circulation did not exceed 600 copies.
The latest news in the Spy of this date, from Trance, was dated May 11 ;
from London, May 10 ; from New York, July 9 ; and from Washington,
July 2S.^
The white population of Ohio was T6,000. A state constitution was
framed at Chilicothe, by virtue of which Congress authorized its admis-
sion as a state of the Union.
The first press and newspaper in Mississippi, " The Natchez Gazette,"
was this year established by Col. Andrew Marachalk, who continued it
under difi'event names for about forty years. Natchez was a large village,
consisting chiefly of small wooden buiMiBgs scattered irregularly over
considerable spa«e. The -currency of the territory consisted at this time
in part of " Cotton Receipts," negotiable by law as bills of exchange or
money. They represented so much cotton deposited in public gins, for
cleaning, the farmers being in general too poor to have private gins.^
The fli-st exports from the territory, of which there is any accotint, were
made the last year to the value of $1,095,412, and this year $526,016.
The first official return of tlio exports from Kentacky and Tennessee,
was this year made, and amoanted in the former to $626,613, and in the
latter to $443,955. The first exports of Indiana were made the year
before, to the amount of $29,430.
The Legislature of North Carolina agreed to purchase, of Miller and
Whitney, the patent right of the saw gin for that state, and laid a yearly
tax of two shillings and six pence upon every saw (amounting in some
gins to forty), employed in ginning cotton, during the next five years,
which contract was faithfully performed. About the same time negotia-
tions were entered into between the patentees and the state of Tennessee,
which in the following year laid a tax of thirty-seven and a half cents
per annum, on each saw used in that state within the next four years.
The second annual message of President Jefferson, n
(1) Miller's RctroBpaot, vol. 2, p. 3S7. (S) Monatte'a Valley of the Miaaisaiiipi,
(2) Histor. Mttg., vol, 3, p. 121. toI. 2.
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JEFFERSON — COPPER WORKS — TINE COMPAKY. [1802
ss, among the landmarlis and rales of action by wliich thcj were
to be guided for the public good, "to cultivate peace, and maiutain com-
merce and navigation in all their lawful enterpvisea ; to foster onr fishe-
ries as nurseries of navigation and for the nurture of man, and protect
the manufactures adapted to onr circumstances, etc.," as also " to cherish
tbe Federal Union as the rock of safety."
A Mechanics' Association, of about 100 members, was formed at
Portsmoath, New Hampshire, for the purpose of encouraging and pro-
moting industry, good habits, and an increase of knowledge in the me-
chanic arts, and for the mutual benefit of its members. It is still in ex,
istence.
The Danvars & Beverly Iron Company wag incorporated with a capital
of $330,000.
The only manufactory of sheet copper in the country was that of the
Messrs. Eevere, at Boston, Massachusetts.
Additional glass works were built in Pittsburg by General O'Hara,
who made preparations to manufacture white and flint glass, and sent an
agent to England to obtain workmen, in which he was unsuceessM,
The Legislatare of Pennsylvania having, on the 7th March, 1800, re-
vised tJie act ineOT-porating a company for promoting the cultivation of
the vine, under new commissioners, and in the January following, by a
supplementary act removed the chief obstacle to obtaining subscriptions,
the organization of the company was this year completed, with Dr. Benj.
Say as president, Isaac W. Morris, treasurer, and jared Ingersoll, John
Vaughan, Dr. Jas. Mease, Fred. Heiss, and Elisha Fislier, aa managers.
TLe company had 30,000 vines growing at Spring Mill, under the care
of Mr. Leganx, whose disagreement with the company soon after, led to
the establishment of separate vineyards at that place.
In addition to the vine company's, there were several private vineyards
in the city and county at this time, via : Montraollin's, Eidge Eoad four
miles from the city, consisting of 4,000 plants ; Peter Kuhn's, one mile
froKi the last, consisting of Lisbon, Malaga, and Madeira grapes; Dr.
James Mease's "in the line of Cherry street," with 3,000 plants; Paul
LabroQse's, about one mile from the city, between Second and Third
streets, Southwark; Crownsillat's, four miles from Philadelphia, on the
banks of the Schuylkill, 1,500 plants ; Thunn's, south of the last named,
Hnd Stephen Girard's, near the same place, with forty or fifty plants only.
The grape was at this time cultivated successfully by Mr. Autill in New
Jersey, and by Mr. Notnagel near Bristol, and others in these and
neighboring states.
The Catawba grape was this year first discovered by Mr. Murray, an
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tw ty-flve
1 Di proved
? 1 duals
1 b s salt
f works
1 1,313,
f mraon
1S02] CATAWBA GRArES— SALT — CLOCKS — PATENTS. S'7
emigrant from PonnsylTania, on the Block Ridge mountain, in Buncombe
county, North Carolina, about ten miles S. E. of Ashyille.
They were named the Catawba by Senator Davy, who transplanted
some of them to his residence at Rocky Monnt, on the Catawba river,
whence he introduoed them, a few years after, under that name, among his
friends in Washington and Maryland. Major Adams, of Georgetown,
first discovered its value as a wine grape about 18''2 and two or three
years after, sent slips of it to Nicholas L w th f C t who
established itg reputation, as well as tlie w m f t tl west.
It was estimated that $130,000 was in t d th m ft ro of
salt, in Barnstable Co., Mass., which yield d t p fit
per cent, on the investment. The proc b d b n
within a few years, and several patents had b bt d
on the cape. The salt was very pure and wl t d tl
produced in the process was of the best q 1 ty Th i
in the county was 136. The number of f t f f
and the capacity equal to the manufacture f 40 438 b h 1
salt, and 181,969 lbs. of glanbers salt, w th t g tl $40 '700 The
works were to be increased the next year, by tl idd t f T 578 feet,
Capt. John Sears was the only successful m ft 1 y 1 pora^
tion aione, for which he had exteHsive works ] D i havi g t mphed
over numerous difficulties. Salt was also made at Martha's Vineyard,
Kantueket, Plymouth, Kingston", Rochester, Hingham, and Dorchester;
in nearly all of which it had been commenced within two or three years.
The works in Dorchester were erected this year, at Preston's Point, by
Capt. Deane, and consisted of a series of vats 200 feet in length, by
twenty feet wide, or 4,000 superffeial feet of evaporating surface ; and
were soon after followed by others on an improved plan. Two patents
were taken oat in this branch, one by Benjamin Ellicott, of Maryland
(May 13), for a machine for manufacturing salt; and the other by
Valentine Peers (Dec. 18).
The manufacture of clocks by water power, for a wholesale trade, was
this year commenced at Plymouth, Conn., by Eli Terry ; an enterprise
regarded by many, as a rash adventure. Simon Willard, of Mass.,
patented (Feb. 8), his celebrated time-piece.
Among the patents (sixty-five in number), insued this year, the follow-
ing, in addition to those mentioned, were the most important. Manufac-
turing starch from potatoes, by John Biddis (March 23). Improvement
in a saw mill, which returns the log after each cut, by Moses Coates
(April 1). This conlriranee, which was not appreciated at the time,
performed antoraatically, by very simple mechanism, scYeral operations
which successive improvements were only able to attain thirty years
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98 GXiN FACTORIES — PROTECTINO DUTIES — MILLS. [1802
after.' Edward West patented (July 6) a machiae for cutting, and
another for heading and cutting nails ; an improveineiit in tlie gun belt,
and another in the steamboat. It has been claimed for him, that he
made the first working model of a steamboat in this conntry, which he is
said to have run upon a river in Kentucky. Several other patents were
granted for iiail-ra ailing. An improyed boiling cistern, by Timothy
Kirk, of Yorktown, Pa. (Dec. 38), was considered a noiiel and useful
invention." Bnrgiss Allison and John Hawkins, received letters patent
(Dec. 30), for manafaetaring paper from corn husks.
A memorial to Congress, from the gun manufacturers of the borough
of Lancaster, Pa., against the remission of duties upon arms raanu-
fa<;tured in foreign countries, states that manufactories of arms
^^^^ had been established there, and in otlier parts of the state, at
much expense, and 30,000 stand were nearly completed for the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania. Mills for boring gun barrels had been erected,
and the loclis, and every other part, were made in the best manner. They
were confident 20,000 stand of arms could be annually made in the state,
and in five years, with continued protection, the basiness would be fully
established.
The committee of commerce and manufactures, reported, on the subject
of petitions from the Franklin Association and other journeymen
printers, ■ calico printers, cordwainers, paper makers, letter founders,
makers of umbrellas, brashes, glass, stoneware, gunpowder, hats, and
starch, in favor of protecting duties. The committee considered it
justice to the petitioners, and sound policy, to extend protection to such
manufacturers, as were obviously capable of affording to the United
States an adequate supply of their respective products, either by a free
admission of raw material, or by higher duties on manufactures. The
existingrates, being nearly equal on moat articles, they considered rather a
burthen to the workingman, than a protection to the manufacturer.
They recommended the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare, against
the next session, a plan for now and more specific duties, which should
leave the amount of revenue the same at it then was.
A very complete and curions set of merchant flouring mills, capable
of manufacturing from five to six hundred bushels of wheat into flour
daily, went into operation at the village of Madison, four miles from
the mouth of Catskill Creek, in Greene Co., New York. They were
built by Ira Day & Co., and contained two water-wheels and four pairs
of stones with elevators, fanning mills, smat machines, cooling apparatus,
(I) Pat. Off. Rep. 1343, p. 299. 12) Dom. Bocydop. vol. 5, p. 3ST ,
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1803] EAELY STEAMBOATS — I N — TE ENS — EVANS. 99
weighing hoppers, packing screw d h machinery, moyed by the
water wheels ; each of which was t d th about one half the qnan-
tity of water reqnired for a comm g t mill Catskill contained seven
grist mills, and about as many saw ra 11
lu April, the New York Leg It i d an act, extending to
Messra, Livingston and Fulton, f th m f twenty years from this
date, the rights and exclusive pi d to Mr. Livingston in
1798, of navigating all the water ft! t tt by vessels propelled by
fire or steam. It also extended f tw y — and by a later law, to
1807, — the time in which to mak p f f th practicability of propel-
ling a boat of twenty tons, at the t f f ui m les an tour, against the
current of the Hudson.
Messrs. Livingston and Fuiton, after several trials with models, in the
last year, at Plombieres, in Prance, having adopted paddle wheels, com-
pleted, about this time, an experimental boat which, meeting with an
accident, was nearly altogether rebuilt, sixty-sis feet long by eight feet
wide, and finished in July. The first trial of a steamboat on the Seine,
was made by them early in August, in presence of the French National
Institute, and a great concourse of Parisians. Encouraged by their
siieeess, and to attain greater speed by improved mactinery, an engine
was immediately ordered from Messrs. Watt & Bolton, of Birmingham,
to be sent to the United States, whither Pulton proceeded to construct
and operate, under the foregoing act, his first steamboat in America.
Miller and Symington, in March, 1803, navigated the Forth and Clyde
canal, with the side-wheel steamer Charlotte Dnndas, in which Pulton
During this year, John Stevens, of Hohoken, is said to have made an
experiment on the Passaic river, with a boat propelled by forcing water
through an aperture in the stern, by means of a pump.'
In consequence of letters written in the last year, to a gentleman in
Kentucky, by Oliver Evans, stating that he had his steam engine in
operation, Capt. James McKeever, of the II. 8. Navy, and M. Louis
Talcour, united to build a steamboat of eighty feet keel and eighteen
feet beam, to ply between New Orleans and Natchoa. The boat was
built this year in Kentucky, and floated to New Orleans, to be supplied
with an engine, by Evans. The subsidence of the river, which was not
expected to rise again for six months, having left the boat on dry land,
and the capital of the owners having been exhausted, they allowed Mr.
William Donaldson to put up the engine in a saw mill, and were
astonished to learn that it was sawing 3,000 feet of boards every twelve
(1) Benwick an the Steam EDgine.
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100 CALICO PBINTIKO — EXPORTS — SHIP BUILDING. [1803
hours, when boards wore selling at $60 per thousand. They were now
confident of succeeding with the steamboat, but were disappointed and
ruined by the bnraing of the mill, after two previoua incendiary
attempts of hand sawyers, whereby they lost tl-5,000. The engine con-
sumed one and a half cords of wood daily, and ran over twelve months
without getting once ont of order, and in 1810 was set to pressing
cotton.
Cotton machinery was manufaetured in Philadelphia at this time, by
Mr. Eltonhead.
Calico printing was carried on by the following persons in Philadel-
phia and vicinity, viz. : John Hewson, at the Globe Mills, in the city,
Mr. Stewart, at Germantown, and Mr. Thorburn, at Darby. The three
were expected to turn out, daring the year, 300,000 yards of goods.'
Manufactures were this year first regularly distinguished, as to
quantity and value, from other articles, in the returns of exports. The
total value of exports was $56,800,033. The value of domestic articles
exported, was $42,205,961, in the fohowing proportions, viz. ; products
of the sea $2,635,000, of the forest $4,850,000, of agriculture 132,995,000,
and of manufactures $1,355,000. Of agricultural products, vegetable
food constituted a value of $14,080,000. Cotton of domestic and
foreign growth was exported to tbe value of $7,920,000. The exports
of Michigan were for the first time embraced in the returns, and
amounted to $210,393.
In December, the ship Eliza, Captain Bissel, sixty days from Cadiz,
arrived, with two merino rams and two ewes, for Dr. James Mease, of
Philadelphia, who had ordered one pair, two years before. To his great
disappointment, they all proved to be black, though fine wooled, a cir-
cumstance which he could only attribute to a desire to increase the
profits, black sheep being little valued in Spain, and their wool chiefly
used for the clothing of shepherds and the poor peasantry. Their price
to him was sixty dollars and the freight twenty dollars.
The total tonnage of new vessels buUt in the United States during the
year, was 88,448 tons.
The " Miami Exporting Company," of Cincinnati, was incorporated for
forty years, with a capital of $450,000 for banking purposes, being the
first in that city. Its dividends, for a number of years, were ten to fifteen
per cent.
The brig Ann Jane, of 450 tons, was built at Elizabeth on the Mo-
nongahela, sixteen miles above Pittsburg, for tbe Messrs. McParlane,
(1) Commiuii'jatecl by ItoiopBOii Westoott Esii.
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jgOg-l SEW ENTEKPKISES — THE COTTON GIN, -lUl
merchants. She was one of the fastest sailers of her day, and ran for
some time as a packet to Bew Orleans.
The brig Marietta of 130 tons, another of 150 tons, and the schooner
Indiana of 100 tons, were built in Ohio in the spring of this year.
The " flax rust," the most destructive disease to which the flax crop in
New Yort is subject, first made its appearance at Bridgehamptoa, near
the east end of Long Island. This parasite appeared in Berkshire county,
Massachusetts, three years after.
The manufacture of dressed deer skins for gloves, money beHs, under
clothing, etc., was this year commenced as an indei|endent business at the
village of aioversville,.New York, by Ezekiel Case, who had learned the
art at Oincianati. From him and Talmadge Edwards, the business was
learned by W. T. Mills and James Barr, who became noted manufacturers,
and improvers of the art. The business extended thence to Johnstown,
the county seat.
The manufacture of cotton and wool cards was established la ^ew
York, under the management of Samuel Whittemore, a younger brother
and partner of Amos and William Whittemore, of Cambridge, Mass.
A largo plaster mill, seventy-five feet by fmty-five, now apart of the
Auverge or " New Mills," at Newburg, New York, was erected this
year, by a Mr. Belknap. The use of pla(,ter of Paris, as a fertilizer, was
much promoted by the exertions of Cbaucclloi- Uvingstou.
The Legislature of South Carolina onnufled the contract made last
year with Miller and Whitney, proprietors of the saw gin ; suspended
imymeut of the balance due them ($30,000), and instituted a suit, to
recover what had been already paid them, alleging as the reasons, a
want of validity in the patent, and the non- performance of certain con-
ditions of the contract by the patentees. In Georgia, the most per-
sistent efforts were made to invalidate the patent. Prior claims to the
invention were preferred on behalf of Hogden Holmes and Edward Lyon,
of that state, and of a Swiss mael.ine of earlier date. The Governor, in
his annual message, advised that compensation be withheld, and a com-
mittee reported in favor of instructing their :%presentatives to procure a
modification of the patent act, so as to get rid of the monopoly, and if
that failed, to endeavor to induce Congress to purchase the patent right,
and release the Southern States from so burthensome a grievance. The
states of South and North Carolina and Tennessee were invited to co-
operate with Georgia. Popular feeling, stimulated by the most sordid
motives, was so for awakened in the cotton states, that Tennessee suspended
the payment of a tax laid earlier in the year, upon cotton gins, for the
benefit of the patentees. A similar attempt, afterward made in the Legis
lature of North Carolina, wholly failed, and both branches declared by
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102 COTTON PACTOBIES — SCYTHES — EI^CKIMG — PATENTS. [1803
resolution, that " the eontrtict ought to be fuiaied with punctuality and
good faith." Honorable mea in other states, were indignant at the
measures of the Legisktares, and South Carolina, the next year, rescinded
the resolution of the previous house, and testified its respect for Mr.
Whitney by marked commendation, expressions grateful to those whose
sense of justice was not obscured by interest or prejudice.
Mr. Whitney's partner died on 7th December of this year, weighed
down with repeated diaappoiutments in his business transactions.'
The first cotton manufactory in New Hampshire was built at Now
Ipswich.
The second cotton factory in Massachusetts, and the third in the
vicinity of Providence, was erected this year, aiid was followed by a
fourth the nest year. The whole number of mills in operation in the
XTnited States, at this time, was but four. They were rapidly mul-
tiplied in Rhode Island from tliis time.
The price of cotton yarn at Providence, was, for number 12, 94 cents,
for number 16, 110 cents, for number 50, 126 cents per lb.
At Queretaro, near the city of Mexico, at this time, were cotton fac-
tories as large as any in France, as well as large woolen manufactories,
which, during the year, worked up about two million dollars' worth of
woolen cloths, bay, druggets, serges, aod cotton stuffs. TJie establishment
consisted of factories and workshops, in the latter of which, more than
300 in number, the operatora worked at the cost of their employers.
Levi Thurston commenced the manufacture of scythes in Orange, Con-
necticut, with the first trip hammer in the town.
The manufacture of blacking was, about this time, commenced by Lee
& Thompson, who long supplied the public with " Lee's Improved Steam
Blacking," at No. 1 John St., New York, and acted as agents of the
celebrated Day and Martin's liquid blacking, first introduced, only two
years before, in England,
The practice of treading out wheat, barley, and other grain, by oxen
and horses, upon open, circular threshing floora, of hard rolled earth,
was extensively practiced, at this time, in Rhode Island and portions of
the Middle States, as the most expeditious and economical method not-,
withstanding the introduction of severa) patent horse power tlireshing
machines.
ji.mong the patents issued this year, were several for impi'ovementa, hy
citizens of diiferont states, iu nrachines for ginning cotton ; an applo
paring machine, the first of its kind, by Mosea Coats, an ingenious
mechanic of Downingtowu, Pa. (Feb. 14} ; a machine for cleaning clover
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Reed, long exhibited in the model room of Peale's Museum, (March 31) ;
an improTenieut for cutting grain and grass, by Kichard Prencli and John
T. Hawkins of K. J. (May 17) which was the first mowing or reaping
machine recorded. Seveial othfir patent? ^ere taten out f r agrn-ultunl
jnachinerj, a number connected With distilling foi ruling papei making
wrought and cut nails, and for extracting the coloring matter ot yege
tables, and preparing dyers' painteis' and punters cjlori etc
I'eb. 7. — The Board rf Managers of the Pennsyhann, Society for
the Encouragement of Manufactnrea and the XJaefnl Arts oiginized m
Augnst, 1787, addieaaed a circuhr communication with a plan of
*""* their constitution to all aocieties f r the promotion of u'-eful
knowledge, and to the people of the United btat^R generally for the pnr
pose of exciting a renewed mteiest and activity in the advancement ot
the manufacturing interest of the conntry, an object which the Society
was established to promote, and in which it had recently experienced
increased energy, Tho "Manufacturing Committee" of the Society, a
body distinct from the Board, had, for several years, suspended the busi-
ness of their department, in consequence of the destruction, by fire, of a
large part of its stock in furnitnpQ, raw matGPials, manufactured goods,
and some valuable cotton rdachinery, but were now resuming operations.'^
The community was cautioned in a particular manner against similar
dangei-s in labor-saving manufactories. The Society invited communica-
tions from associations engaged in promoting either science or manufac-
tures. In view of the great inflnence which the progress in chemistry,
natural history, mechanics, and the doctrine of fluids, had exerted within
fifty years, in elevating the character and increasing the profits of the
manufacturing classes, they suggested to all scientific institutions the
formation of a standing committee of arts and manufactures, and to
societies, kindred to their own, a particular examination of all matters
relating to manufactures within their sphere, and the publication of the
results, with a detail of the facts. The circular, which was impressed
with the ardent mind of the president of the Board, Mr. Tench Cox, was
accompanied by a " Report on the state of manufactures in the TTnited
States generally, and particularly in the State of Pennsylvania, at the
time of the establishment of this Society, and of their progressive increase
and improvement, to the present time."
The first machine for cleaning docks by steam, everconstrncted, was
about this time completed by Oliver Evans, at the Mars Works, Philadel-
phia, by order of the Board of Health. It was called the Eruktor
(!) Sao TOl. 1, p. 409.
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lOi LOUISIANA — ^DUTIES ON IMPOSTS AND TONNAGE. [1804
AmpMboUs, and consiated of a large flat or scow, with an engine of five
horse power for working machinery. Having been fitted with temporary
wheels on woodea axles, the machine, of a weiglit equal to 300 barrels
of flour, was driven throngh the street to the river Schuylkill,' where it
was launched, and with paddle-wheels at the stern, was propelled a dis-
tance of sixteen miles into th D I w L ter in the year, Evans sub-
mitted to the Lancaster Tu p k Cm] y an estimate of the profits
of a steam carriage, to carry 100 1 1 f flour fifty miles in twenty-
four hours, and offered to bu 1 1 h a I motive carriage. He pub-
lished, the next year, " The 1 L g s Guide," descriptive of tho
principles and manner of wo k th t m engine for propelling boats
or land carriages.
The Province of Louisiana, having, by the treaty of April 3, 1803,
been transferred by France to the Hinted. States, for the. sum of
$15,000,000, ITpper Louisiana was, in conformity with the act of 20th
October of the same year, surrendered (March 10) to tho agent of the
United States, Oapt. Amos Stoddard. That portion of the colony aouth of
the thirty-third parallel, now the State of Louisiana, previously taken pos-
session of, was called the Territory of Orleans, and all lying north of it,
and west of the Mississippi, the District of Louisiana, attached to the
TeiTitory of Indiana. The village of St. Lonis contained bat two
American families, and its population was less than 1,000 souls. The fur
trade constituted its chief business interest, and amounted, daring the next
fifteen years, to $203,750 annually. Peltry-bonds, or bills, payable in
peltries, was its principal currency. The first returns of exports, from
the Teii-itory of Orleans, this year, amounted to $1,600,362.
Many of the petitions, presented in the last session of Congress, from
manufacturers and tradesmen, were renewed, and others from the manu-
facturers of plated trappings for carriages and horses, the stainers of
cotton goods, cork-cutters, and artizans of nearly all kinds, asked
protection and encouragement of their several branches, and were the
subject of a report by the Committee of commerce and manufactures.
Congress, by a nnanimons vote, increased the duties upon imports by
about two and a half per cent., the proceeds to constitute a "Mediterra-
nean Fund," for defraying the increased expense of naval operations to
suppress the piracies of the Barbary powers.
A dnty of fifty cents per ton, aa light money, was imposed on all
foreign vessels, entering the United States ports. Additional specific
duties were laid on certain articles. It was also enacted that a registered
vessel lost its American character, if its owner, being a naturalized citizen,
resided for more than one year in his native country, or more than two
years in a foreign country, except as a consul or public agent.
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1804] THE HARMOI.Y SETTLEMENT — COTTON — COAL, 105
The charter of the Society of Agricnlture. Arts, and Manufactures, in
New York, granted in 1191, having expired, it was re-incorporated, as
the "Society for tlie Promotion of the Useful Arts." It pnblislied,
previous to 1815, nino volumea of Tianaactions.
The Middlesex County Agricultuial Society, in Massachusetts, formed
in 1194, and. probably the first connty association of the kind in the
"United States, was also incorporated this year.
In May, John Cox Steven^ and his son, Robt. L. Stevens, crossed
from Hoboken, N. J,, to New York, in a boat propelled by steam.
The village of Harmony, in Butler Co., Pa., was settled by about
twenty families of "The Harmony Society," from Wirtembevg, in
Swabia, under Mr. George Eapp, who preceded them abottt a year, and
purchased 4,T00 acres of land. During the nest six years the Society
was increased to 140 famihes, and cleared 1,600 acres of land, erected
frame and brick dwellings, barns, and warehouses, laid out a vineyard,
built giist, sawing, corn, oil, and hemp mills, a tannery, brewery, dis-
tillery, dye-house, potash, soap boilers and candle works, etc. They
also erected a large factory, and eoraraeuced successfully the manufac-
ture of broadclotli, from the wool of merino sheep raised by them.
Their vines and merino sheep, which were special objecta of attention,
not succeeding so well as they wished, the Society sought a more favor-
able climate in Indiana, and renewed their enterprises at New Harmony,
on the Wabash, whence thoy returned in about ten years, and settled at
Economy, in Beaver Co., Pa.
The tonnage of new vessels registered nd n IM this year, was
103,153 tons. The total tonnage of the U n f e y description,
was 1,043,404. The average tonnage of 1 an ally bnilt and
registered in tlie British Empire, in the la t tw 1 y a was 100,48T
tons.
The first iron foundry in Pittshnrg was established by Joseph
McClurg,
Cotton was carded and spun in Pittsburg, by the carding machine and
spmnmg jenny, to the amount of $1,000, being the first manufacture of
the kind m the place.'
The farst ark load of bitnminons coal was sent down the Snsquehanna,
2G0 miles, to tide water at Columbia, by Mr. W. Boyd. It was from
thp vicinity of Oldtown, now Clearfield, and was a curiosity to the in-
habitants of Lancaster Co.' The existence of brown coa!, or lignite, in
Missonn, was this year noticed by Lewis and Clarke, who traced ib
from about twenty miles above the Mandan villages, on the Missouri,
(I) Cramor's Almanac for 1804. (2) Taylor's Statistics of Cool, Am. ed. p. S30.
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105 COTTON CULTUKE iND MANITFAOTimE — BROADCLOTH, [1804
3,45i miles up the river, aad nearly to tlie base of the Eockj Moun-
tains, as well as upon the Tellowstoue, and other tribatariea of that
The impi-ovemeut of the texture of the eottoa fibre was, about this
time, made the subject of successful experiments, by Kinsey Burden, Sen.,
of St. John's, Colleton, in South Carolina, who, in this or the following
year, produced from carefully selected seed, specimens of cotton worth,
in the English market, tweuty-flve cents per pound more than any other.
The secret of his success was long unknown. The crops in that state
were this year destroyed by the harricane. The cotton fields of Iberville,
in Louisiana, were about this time first devastated by the Chenille or
cotton insect.'
The first regular cotton factory in the State of New York, was erected
ill Union Village, Washington Co., by William Mowry, who had
acquired a knowledge of the business in the pioneer estabhshment of
Samuel Slater, at Pawtucket. It continued in almost constant opera-
tion until 1849, when it was still the largest in the country—a large and
flourishing village having grown up around it.
The cotton manufacture was about this time commenced also in
Connecticut.
The first broadcloth from merino wool, was made at Fittsfleld, Mass.,
by Arthur Scholfleld. It was gray-mixed cloth, and all the merchants
in town dechned purchasing it when finished, although Josiah Bissel, a
principal dealer, is said to have made a journey to New Tork a few
weeks after, and brought home two pieces of the same goods, bought as
foreign cloth, Mr. Scholtteld at this time also carried on the manufac-
ture of single and double carding machines of improved pattern, and
the carding of wool, at eight cents per pound for white, and twelve and
a half cents for mixed wool. Carding machines and various manufac-
turing operations, were from this period rapidly introduced into Pittsfleld,
Lenox, Lanesborough, Dalton, and neighboring towns. Cards made by
the Shakers were in use at this time.
The manufacture of gunpowder was carried on upon the Brandywiue,
in Delaware, by Mr. E. Irene Dupont de Nemours, whose powder, in
packages impressed with the figure of an eagle, was already celebrated
for its excellence.' The proprietor patented a machine for granulating
gunpowder, early in this year.
(1) Tajlot'sStatofCoaliAm. ed.pp.49(l, in his poem, "Tbe ForpstRta," siicttliS of iha
«1. woodman In the wilds of Pen n sylvan ia, ad.
(2) Cotton Plant. Da Bow'b Industrial miring bis powdar during hia pedcstriaa
Besourocs, vol. 1, pp. 1J3, 173. tour in 1304. Ho sttja it Isft no staia on
(3) Wilson, tbe American OmitTiologist, paper when burned;
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I804J CAREY'S BIBLE — PAPKE — DYES — PATENTS. lOT
Tfio fii-st quarto Bible, from movable types, ever set up in the United
States, was printed ia Philadelphia, Ijy Mathew Carey, at a first coat of
$15,000. Tho type was furnished by James Roaaldson, in Soutli street
above Ninth, the only type founder, at that time, in the country. The
type was kept standing until, 200,000 impressions were printed.'
The American Company of Booksellers offered a gold medal of the
value of fifty dollars, for the greatest quantity, and best quality of
printing paper, not less tlian fifty reams, made from other materials than
linen, cotton, or woolen rags ; and a silver medal worth twehty dollars,
for the greatest quantity, not less than forty reams, of wrapping paper,
from new materials. The Messrs. H. and S. Fourdrinier, wealthy
stationers and paper manufacturers of London, this year purchased, of
Didot & Gfamble, tho patents in Robert's machine, and commenced at
Boxmoor a series of costly experiments and improvements in the
machine which beai-s their name. Its success was greatly promoted by
the skill of Mr. Donkin, the eminent manufacturer of paper machinery,
who this year erected, at Two Waters, his second machine, which proved
the practicability of making paper in continuous sheets."
The American Philosophical Society about this time, offered an extra
Magellanic preminm— a gold medal, worth from twenty to forty dollars,
or its equivalent in money — for an essay upon t!ie subject of American
permanent dyes, or pigments, illustrated by experiments, and accom-
panied by specimens of the materials and of the articles colored.'
Surgeons' instruments were made in Philadelphia, by R. B. Bishop,
The Axle Tourniquet, patented in 1801, by Dr, Joseph Strong, of Pa.,
was described, in the London Medical and Physical Journal for Oct.,
as the invention of a Mr. Blake, in England.*
A patent was issued (Jan. 25) to Thomas Benger, for an improve-
ment in preparing quercitron or black oak bark, for exportation or home
consumption, for dyeing and other uses. 0. Evans patented (Feb. 14)
a, screw mill for breaking and grinding hard substances, and also an
improvement upon the steam engine, "by the application of a new
principle, by means of strong boilers to retain and confine the steam;
thereby increasing the heat in the "water, which increases the elastic
power of the steam to a greater degree." A spinning and twisting mill,
for making cordage, was patented (Feb. 21) by "Wm. B. Dyer ; and a
"From foaming Brandvwins'a rough shores (1) Philadeliihia and Us Manufactures,
it conio, hy Edw^n T. Frecdiej.
To aporlBmen dear ila merits end its name ; (2) Manaell's Chronology of Paper,
(3) Philad. Med. Masoam, rol. 1, p. i49.
(4) See Coxo's Phila. Med. Musenm, vol.
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108 FIRST OANAl — PEINTJWa PUESSES — MARBLE BUSTS. [1804
raacbine " for preparing what is commonly called top or swinglecl tow,
for paper" (March 19), by Abraham Frost ; and an improvement in mann-
facturing coat and waistcoat buttons, by Geo. W. Eobinson {March 24)
The patentee became, at Attleboro, Mass., the most extensive manufac-
turer of metal buttons in the United States. A straw and hay cutter,
patented (April 30) by Moses Coates, of Downingtown, Pa,, was consid-
ered more simple and cheap than any ia use, and was generally adopted
in the ueighboring counties. An improved lantern, a composition for
drawing or writing tablets, and a machine to cat strips or chips of wood,
for bats, bonnets, etc., were the sabjects of patents, by Amos D. Allen
(May 10). Burgiss Allison and Richard French, patented (June 8) a
machine for making nails and spikes, which was auceessfnlly put in opera-
tioa this year or earlier ; Asa Spencer, an improvement in making thim-
bles (June 8). Another machine for cutting chips or strips of wood to
make chip hats and bonnets, brooms, baskets, sieves n att i ^ and for
various other nses, by John Roberts, Amos D. Allen and E^pI lel Kelsey
(Sep. 5), was in aid of a business, which waa soon iftei prosi,cated in
several parts of the coantry. E. I. Dnpont de Nemours patented (Nov.
23) a raaebine for granulating gunpowder, which was bioi gl:t ii to use in
his extensive powder mills, on the Brandywine. A machine for boring
gun barrels, by Nathan Fobes (Dec. iSl). The whole number of patents
issued was eighty-three, a greater number than in any previous year.
The Middlesex canal, connecting Boston harbor with Concord river,
a branch of the Merrimac, above Lowell, through Medford, Woburn,
and Wilmington, was completed by a company, incorporated in 1789,
It was the first great work of the kind finished in the United States,
The distance was about twenty-seven miles, and tlie cost upwards of
$550,000. The summit level was lOf feet above tide-water^ and thirty-
two above the Merrimac, at Lowell, and the whole descent was effected
by twenty-two locks, ninety feet long by twelve feet wide, of solid
masonry. The water power and communication thus obtained, prepared
the way for the manufacturing operations of the neighborhood.
The manufacture of printing presses, copperplate, and book binder's
presses, and printing-house farnitnre of all kinds, was carried on at this
time, in Carter's alley, Philadelphia, by Adam Ramage.
The first busts ever executed in American marble, were carved for
James Traquair, stone cutter. Tenth and Market sts., Philada,, by Jos.
Jnrdeila, an Italian, who had been employed, ten or twelve years before,
by the celebrated Italian sculptor, Cerraechi, iu making, in this country,
under his direction, busts of Washington, Jefierson, Hamilton, and
Eittenhouse. Busts of Washington, in Carrara marble, from a east by
TTden, also of Hamilton — from whose bust by Oen-acchi casts in plaster
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1804] WOOLEN ANB OOTTOBt MANtfFAOTUEB — GUIAPE CDLXUEE. 109
were this year strack in New York, by John Dixey — were made at $100
each, and Imlf size likenesses of Penn, Washington, and Franklin, both
in Italian and Pennsylvania marble. Busts of Penn and Washington
were presented to the Pennsylvania Hospital, which was about this time
also presented with a leaden statue of the founder, by his gmndson, the
Hon, John Penn, of Stoke, England.
In March, a company was incorporated in Pennsylvania, for obtaining
slate, from quarries in the county of Northampton, suitable for roofing,
and other purposes.
180a y[,g gjutji manufacturers and dressers, in Pittsfield, Mass., had
become so numerons, that, va Apr'l a publ'c proposal was made for their
combination into a society for the p irpose of investigating the natural
qualities of chemical liquids in 1 i j roving the making and dressing of
cloth. Arthur Scholfield male and soil double carding machines for
$400, or |253 without the car li and i iclcing machines, for thirty dollars
each. The first machines n ale by 1 ro about fonr years before, are said
to have sold for $1,300 eacl
Mr. John Lee, who had 1 ecome the proprietor of the woolen mill in
Byfield, succeeded, about ih s t ne m shipping clandestinely, from
England, in large caslis labelled as "hardware," in charge of his brother-
in-law, James Mallalow, a quantity of cotton machinery, consisting of
drawing, and spinning frames, or mule throstles, which, to avoid suspicion,
he followed in another vessel. The machinery was erected in the factory
building, where it was at first employed in spinning wick yarn, and warp,
which were in much demand for household manufactures. Bed ticking,
coarse gingham, and sheeting, and other heavy articles, all woven by
hand, were soon after added. The last article then sold at fifty cents
a yard, and gingham for about seventy cents.
This factory is said to have been one of the first to produce that class
of goods.
The Kings County Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, in New
York wi"* incorporated
In the '^pung of this year, a settlement, called New Switzerland, was
made on the Ohio river in Indiana, by emigrants from the Pays de Vaud,
in Switzerland under giants made by Congress to John J. Dnfonr, and
his a<5aociates for the purpose of encouraging the cultivation of the vine,
and the mating of wine The grape culture was successfully carried on
by them for i number of years, first, with Madeira, and other foreign
vinc! but to better advantage with the native Cape or Schuylkill grape,
(]) HoUimd's ■Western Massachaaetts.
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110 SHE VALUE OP rUOPERTY OF THE TTNITED STATES. [1S05
the superiority of which to all others, as a wino grape, was long main-
tained I>y the founder of the colony.
The returns of exports, for this year, discriminated, for the ilrst time,
between Sea Island and other cotton. The amount of the former ex-
ported, was 8,787,659 lbs., and of other liiiids, 29,603,428 lbs. The
total value of this staple exported, was $9,445,000. The value of
domestic manufactures exported, was |2, 300, 000.'
The total value of the real and personal property of the United States,
exclusive of Louisiana, according to an estimate made by Mr. Gallatin,
Secretary of the Treasury, for this year, was $3,505,500,000. The esti-
mate included 1,000,000 slaves, valued at $200 each, and 10,000 flour,
grist, saw, iron, and other miUs, valued at not less tl a $400 ea 1 A
tabular estimate, and classification of tl e wh le populat on fo the same
year, by Mr. Blodgett,' made the whule nu n! e of [ e ons tl e XJn o
to be 6,180,000, of whom 1,SG6,000 ve e clas el a act v r p odnc
tive persons, and the aggregate money ilne of tie wl lo people
$2,832,000,000. The entire number la ed as mech n al a t zans was
500,000, of whom one fifth were act e p on and tl e e t mated value
of each of the class was $500, or $2 0 COO 000 for the whole The
other classes were estimated as followt. : slaves on plantations, 800,000,
worth $300 each; slaves otherwise employed, 200,000, at $300 each;
free planters, and agriculturists, 4,800,000, at $400 each ; fishermen,
30,000, at $900 each ; seamen, etc., 400,000, at $100 each ; professional,
and all other classes not enumerated, 350,000, at $500 each.
The annual consumption of British, and other dry goods, by the
6,000,000 of inhabitants, on an average of three years, was $35,000,000,
and of all other foreign articles, $53,000,000, or, altogether, $81,000,000
invalne of foreign articles. The produce of the sea and rivors consumed,
was valued at $5,000,000, annually ; of agricultural food, etc., $85,000,000 ;
of domestic manufactures, $30,000,000; of all other produce, of the
forest, etc., $12,000,000, making the total domestic consumption, annually,
$219,O0O,OOO.''
The quantity of cotton manufactured in the United States, this year,
was 1,000 bales, or double the amount consumed in the year 1800,
The cotton manufactory, established at Beverly, Mass., in ITST, about
this time suspended operations, after having struggled with many diffi-
culties, and sunk more than half its capital,
(1) Sejbert, 147 i PiOiin, 116. Mr. Elod- Ed. of MeCuUooh'a Com'l. DioL vol. 2, p. H,
gett (Stadatioal Manual, p. Ill), and tho it is placed at $2,44S,000.
Amerioan Register fol. 3, for 1808, p. 459), (2) Blodgett, p. 196,
set down the value of mnnufaetujeB eiport- (3) Ibid. p. 8».
ed ttie joiir, at $2,625,001!, In Vethiike'a (4) Ibid. p. 80.
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1805] manufacturers' agency-
The price for numbers twelve, sixteen, and twenty, of cotton twist
yarn, at Pawtucket, E. I., was respectively, ninety-nine, 115, and 131
cents. The number of spindles in Slater's cotton mill was increased to
900.
The first agency in the United States, for the sale of American manu-
factnres, was about this time established in Philadelphia, by Elijah
Waring. He was the agent of Almy & Brown, of Providence, K. I. who
consigned to him, for sale, cotton yarns and threads, in great variety.
To these were added, as their manufactures improved, plaids, stripes,
checks, denims, chambrays, tickings, etc. The depot for those articles
was, for many years, a very small store, at Ko. 152 Market street. In
1812, Jeremiah Brown opened a second agency in the city, for Samuel
Slater.
During the last four years the following vessels were bnilt at Pittshurg,
viz. : the ships Pittsburg, Louisiana, General Butler, and Western
Trader ; and the schooners Amity, Alleghany, and Conquest. The ships
Mouongahela Parmer, and Ann Jean, — the last, of 450 tons, in 1803, —
were built at Elizahethtown, on the Mouongahela.'
The number of iron furnaces in Pennsylvania, at this date, was eisteen ;
and the forges, thirty-seven. The slitting and rolling miila cut arid
rolled 1,500 tons of iron per annum. On the west side of the Alleghany
mountains were eleven forges, estimated to make about 400 tons
annually. There were about the same number of furnaces, some of
which had failed for want of ore. About 2,000 tons of iron were
annually made in Pennsylvania, and about the same quantity in Massa-
chusetts." Two charcoal furnaces, three forges, and a bloomery, were
this year erected in Pennsylvania.
The Amesbury Nail Factory Company, in Massachusetts, was incor-
porated, with a capital of $450,000,
The New Hampshire Iron Manufacturing Company, at Frauconia, was
chartered in New Hampshire.
About this time, a gunpowder mil! was established at Southwiok,
Mass., which is still in operation, and makes about 200,000 lbs. of
powder anunally.
The first carriage built in the United States, is said to have been
made this year in Dorchester, Mass., by a man named White, for a
private geatloman in Boston. It was an imitation of an English chariot,
(I) Ljford'a Western Direotory for ]8.?r. house offioials. Tho oaptjiin, having traoed
Itisrelatail that a Pittabitrg ship, about ont upon tie map his circuitous routB.tack-
thia time, yiaited an Bast Indian port, and ward to the hend waters of the Ohio, ob-
was about to bo oonfiaoated, because no such tsinad the telcaee of hlBTeaaol.
clearing port was^ known to the custom (2) Moreo'B Geog^j fiftli od. 1605.
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112
BILVER-'WAKE IN PEOVIDENCE — SALT — PATENTS.
[1805
but much lighter. Though creditable to the manufacturer, it was found
difficult to compete with English and French carriages.'
The luanufacture of silver-waro, which had been commenced in Provi-
dence, R. I., soon after the Rovolntion, by Messrs. Sanders, Pitman and
Cyril Dodge, now employed four establishments in that town. These
belongedtoNehemiahDndge Ezekiel Burr John C Jenckcs and Pitman
& Dorranco who weie chieflv engaged m the manifacture on a limited
Bcale of sher spjons gold beads and finger rings About this time
they commenced the manufa,ctuie of cheap gold lewelrv —at the preient
time so e-^ten'dvely (iriied on there They erajkjed about thirty
woiLmen in making bteast p ns earrings watch ke}', anl other
article's" Mi N Dodge claims to have been the hrst in this branch,
as eaily is 1T14 and that the business was afterwaid staitei m Attle-
boio by peisons who ] uriomed the secret fiora h m
The first settlement was made in Howard county, Missouri, at Booneslick
or Mackay's Saline, near the mouth of the Gfreat Osage river, by Major
Nathan, son of Col. Daniel Boone, for the purpose of making salt, which
has long been carried on there. Salt springs abound in the country,
which also contains iron in abundance, load, copper, zinc, sulphur, alum,
copperas, saltpetre, and traces of silver, etc.
Patents were this year issued, among others, for the following objects,
viz. : to Robert Crane, Jr., Waterbnry, Conn. (May 4), for iron wheels ;
Isaac Baker, Amherst, Masa. (May 8), sawing shingles ; Asahei A.
Kersey, Hartford, Conn. (Oct. 9), for a shingle machine ; John Bennoek,
Boston, Mass. (June 1), for a planing machine, the first recorded ;
of which thirty-throe were ooaohes, and
thirty-flvB ohnriois, in addition to 653 two-
wheeled camagea. Yot in the year follow-
iDg, Angust, 1789, only $5,000 worth of
g a noro imported. In 1801, tlie last
C e Sj 'uses were paid on 21,721 cur-
h dlfifh g Indesd,thBimportiitionofeamages
d ham sa I t d in the Report of Ihe PenEaylvania
Hid f & [y of Arts, belnro eiteJ had, at this
phiBl d te arlyoea'od The duty on imported
hai oa k t- g , by the not of 3d March, 17S7,
' th w t w tn nty one par cent ad calorem. In
M h 1810 V rgmia and a part of MasaaohnsettB,
ISb") t d 2,413 earnagoa, built in the year;
d ght frm that atatoa, there was no return of the
■f d VI mb bnt the value of the mnnafacturo
h t Btalea, waa $1,448,849.
b It ( } C naus of Pcotidenos, by E. IS.
">. M.D., 2d od., 1856,
(1) Although tbi
aiaolaimedtol
the first carriage
built in Ama
buaincsainallitab
ranohea, appear
1 Hew York, aa
1768 by tw p
md D
D W ( 13
p 63 > rt
rrld p VI
t 1790
by G g B gh r
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1805] POMFRET COTTON FACTORY — S, AND J. SLATER. 113
Alexander McNitt, Geneya, Jf. T. {Jane 15), for separating and col-
lecting salphate of potash ; Wm, Wing, Hartford, Conn. {AtigQst 28),
casting types; Wm. King, and II. Salisbury, Hartford, Conn. (August
39), for carriage springs.
A company was formed for tho manufacture of cotton, on a large scale,
in the town of Pomfret, on tlie west side of the Qninnebaug riyer, in
Conn. It consisted of James, Christie, and William Rhodes,
iOUo brothers, of Pawtncket ; Oaiel Wilkinson, and his four sons,
Abraham, Isaac, Daniel, and Smith Wilkinson, of North Providence,
with his two sons-in-Jaw, Timothy Green and William Wilkinson, of
Providence. One thousand acres of land, lying partlj in the three towns
of PomiVet, Thompson, and Killicgly, were purchased, for the double pur-
pose of excluding taverns and the sale of liquors from the vicinity of
their works, and to give employment to the parents of children employed
ill the factory. By these measures, and the early establishment of
schools and Sabbath worship, for which purposes they erected a brick
building in 1812, tho demoralizing influences exerted by European
factories were not experienced. Many of the operatives were able to
lay up from $200 to |800, in three or four jeai-s. The establishment
was known as Conger's Mills in Pomfret county. The capital invested
by the company, from April 1, of this year, to October, 1808, waa
f 60,000, of which five twelfths was in real estate.'
Samuel Slater, having, on account of the prosperity of his business,
about this time invited his brother to come to this country, the village
of Slatersville, in Smithfield, it. I., waa projected hj Alray, Brown &
Slaters, with all the recent improvements in machinery, which Mr. John
Slater was able to bring with him. In June, the latter removed to
Smithfield as superintendent of the concern, which commenced spinning
in the following spring, and was managed by him for upwards of fifty
years, with nninterrnpted improvement and profit, contributing to the
large estate accumulated by Samuel Slater, in the cotton, iron, and
nail business, in all of which he was engaged. The establishment at
Slatersville, originally owned by tho four partners in equal proportion,
eventually became the sole property of John Slater, and tho heirs of
his brother. Within twelve years after the commencement of this
factory, nine cotton mills, with 11,000 spindles, half of them in the
factory of Almy, Brown & Slaters, a paper mill, two distilleries, two
scythe factories, and manufactories of lime, whetstones, etc., rendered
Smithfield a place of considerable importance ; and the power loom,
(I) White's Memoirs of Slater, 23 e<I., 127.
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Hi IHE NON-EXPORTATION ACT — THE BEBIIK DECREE. [180G
dressing machine, and hydrostatic press, were there ititrodaced in the
cloth basinesB, by Mr. Gilmore, a few years after.
The Een^elaer Glass Factory, and the Hud aon Mechanical Aaaociatioa,
were incorporated in New York, March 21.
The Legislature of Pennsylvania passed an act of the same date, to
raise $1,000 by lottery, to enable the Vine Company to pay its debts,
and accomplish the object ot th A t n.
Congress, April 18, in tm nt f the frequent aggressions upon
its nentral commerce, by the b 11 g n p wers of England and France,
and the impressment of its m by tl former, and iit vindication of
the principle that free ships n ak f t, Ai, prohibited the importation,
after 15th November from C t B t and its dependencies, or any
foreign port of all Bntish man fa tn raposed wholly or principally
of leather silk hemp or flax t n o I i. ; all woolen cloths invoiced
above five shillings sterling pei square yard ; woolen hosiery ; window
glass ; silver and plated wares ; paper of every description ; nails and
spikes; hats jeady maie clothing; millinery of all kinds; playing
cards ; beer, ale, and poi ter ; and pictures and prints. On the 1 9th Decem-
ber following, the act was suspended until the 1st July, 1807, and the
Frcsideat was empowered to continue the suspension if he saw fit, until
the second Monday in December of the same year.
Congress made additional appropriations of |150,000, for the fortifica-
tion of the porta and harbors of the United States, and |250,000,
for fifty additional gun boats for the protection of the harbors, coasts,
and commerce.
The first official returns of exports from Ohio, were made this year, to
the amoant of $Q2,B18.
The total value of domestic manufactures exported was 12,107,000.
Nov. 21. — Napoleon issued his Berlin decree, declaring the British
islands in a state of blockade, and prohibiting all commerce, and commn-
nieation with them. This, and the various other decrees, orders in
council, and retaliatory acts, and instructions, by which the con-
tending parties sought to cripple each other's power, together with the
acts of non-intercourse and embargo, to which the United States were
forced in self-defence, nearly destroyed the prosperous commerce of the
TTnion, which reached its maximum the next year ; bat the interruption
of its foreign commerce was attended by a corresponding increase in
domestic manufactures.
The annnal message of President Jefi'erson to Congress, stated that
the revenue for the fiscal year amounted to nearly |15,000,000j
and that during this, and the fonr and a half years preceding, upwards of
$23,000,000, of the principal of the funded debt, had h"'
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I806J PUOFITS OP PAEMINO— LOUISIANA COTTON, ETC. 115
It i-fcommencled the continaation of the duties eonf,titatiug the Mediter-
ranean fund, about to cease by law, in lieu of the esisting impost on
salt In view of a proliable surplua in the treasury, after paying the
regular instalments of jmhlic debt, the inquiry was made "to what other
objects shall these surpluses be appropriated, and the whole surplus of
impost, after the entire discharge of the public debt, and during those
intervals when war shall not call for them ? Shall we suppress the
impost, and give that advantage to foreign over domestic manufactures P*
On most articles it was believed the patriotism of the people would
"prefer its continaance, and apiilication to the great purposes of public
education, roads, rivei-s, canals, and such other objects of public improve-
ment as it may be thought proper to add to the constitutional enumera-
tion of federal powers."
Three ships, the Enfus King, of 300 tons; the John Atchison and
Tusearora, each of 320 tons; the brig Sophia Green, of 100 tons, and
two gun boats of seventy-five tons, wore built this year at Marietta,
Ohio.
Mr. Blodgett estimated the profit of capital invested in farm lands,
at theiv current low prices, and in the necessary stock and labor— the
latter being worth more than a bnahel of corn per diem— to be more
than double, with less labor, than that of the best mechanical employment
suited to the country and the present habits of the people. The profits
of the fishery and of agricolture were the principal causes heretofore, of a
neglect of manufactures.
In Looisiana, near New Orieans, the lands were said to produce
twenty bushels of corn per acre, worth about sixteen dollars. The same
labor would give 250 lbs. of cotton, worth fifty dollars, and 1,000 lbs. of
sugar, worth eighty dollars, with about seven dollars' worth of molasses,'
The " Mesican" variety of cotton seed, the one chiefly cultivated there,
at present, is said to have been, about this time, introdnced in Missis-
sippi, by Walter Burling, of Natchez, from Mexico, whither lie was sent,
this year, by General Wilkinson, on a mission connected with the western
boundary question. It superseded the "upland" or black seed, first
cultivated, and the " Tennessee" cotton.' It was no uncommon thing for
a planter, in the year 1800, to sell his cotton crop for $10,000.
(1) etalstoalManual, p. 91. Orleans, in 1146, some janra before Ita
(2) Cotton WOB c lllTited in Louisiana cultivation in Georgifi. It ia related that
and the 111 nols conntry, by the French, as Mr, Burling, while dining with the Spanish
early as IT"" n which year ChflrlevoiK Viceroy, in Mexico, requested Icare to im.
eaw t grow ng m the gnrdeii of Sienc La port some of Che cotton seed of tlia country,
lifoir, the company e clerk at Natcbez, and which wob rafused, beeausa fothidden by tha
it waa sent down the river in boats, to New -Spanisb govcrnmeDt, but over hia wine, the
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116 faiOH OP COTTON — PAPER MAHUFAOTUKE— ICE TKADE. £1806
The price of npland cotton in England, this year, was fifteen to twenty-
one and a half pence sterling ; of New Orleana, seventeen to twenty-fonr ;
Sea Island, thirty to thirty-seven ; Pernambuco, twenty-three and a half
to twenty-nine ; Maranham, twenty-one and a half to twenty-six ; Snrat,
seventeen ; Demerara, twenty -two to twenty -six and a half pence.
The cotton manufaetory at Pittsburg, in Penusylvania, at this time,
spun 120 threads at a time, with the asaistanco of a man and boy. The
large cylinder of the carding machine had ninety-two pairs of cards,
attended by a boy ; the reeling was done by a girl. A wjool carding
machine was abont to be erected there.'
The first paper mill in Ohio, was built this year, by John Beaver, Jacob
Bowman, and John Coulter, on Little Beaver creek, just within the Ohio
line. It was called " the Ohio Paper Mill," and was the third west of
the mountains, the Redstone mill, and Cramer's, at Pittsburg, haring
preceded it.
The erection of the first paper mil! in South Lee, was commeneed by
Samuel Church, on the present site of Owen & Hnrlhut's mill. Lee ia
BOW the largest paper manufacturing town in the Union.
The water privilege on the north side of Chieopee river, was this year
Bold by Olirer Ohapin, the first settler, to Win. Bowman, Benjamia and
Lemuel Cox, who erected a paper mill, in which paper-making was
carried on by hand for fifteen or sixteen years, when they sold out to
Chauncey Brewer and Joshua Frost, who continued the business five or
six yeara longer. It then passed into the hands of David Ames, who
introduced machinery, and became, in 1825, tJie most extensive paper
manufacturer in the United States. His sons, David and John Ames,
conducted the business until 1853, when the Lenox Chieopee Manufac-
tnriag Company became the proprietors.'
The first cargo of .ice shipped from Massachusetts, was this year
loaded at Gray's wharf, in Charlestown, on board the brig Favorite,
purchased expressly for that purpose, by Mr. Frederic Tudor. The
cargo, consisting of 130 tons from a pond in Saugns (Lynn), belonging
to Mr. Tndor's father, was sent to St. Pierre, in Martinique, and was
attended by considerable loss. Another shipment of 250 tons was made
the following year, per brig Trident, to Havana. It was resumed after
the war, and, in 1816, six cargoes of 12,000 tons were shipped, and in
goverr
lor sportively accorded Mm. pcrmis-
sumed to have been aiuffed with coi
Biun t(
1 take homo ^ mnny Jf™ici.« Bolh as
seed.
be pie
used, and tho favor being well under-
(!) Cramer's Almanoc.
Stood,
was fteely accepted. Ihej are pre-
(2) Holland's Western Massaeliuaetta,
i.Google
1806] LEHIGH COAL— PATENTS— SLAVE TRADE. Ill
1856 tlie trade had increased to 363 cargoes of 146,000 tons, from
Boston to doraestic and foreign ports.'
The first ark load of anthracite coal from Maach Ciiunli Mountain,
on tlie Leliigb river, in Pennsylvania, where it had been used for about
fifteen years in blaclismitlis' forges, was this jear sent to PLiladelpIiin;
by William Tarnbull, who had an arlt constructed at Lausanne, which
brought down two or three hundred bushels. It was Boid to the
Centre Square Water Worlts, but being found unmanageable, the ex-
periment was not repeated for several yeai-s.
Two cotton mills were this year established at Cnmberiand, R. I., and
two at North Providence.
Among the patents issued, were tlie following: Philip Beunet,-
Eoehester, N. Y. (Feb. 8), a loom for weaving chips ; Geo. Richards,
Stonington, Ct. (Feb, 14), a doagh raaohine ; Israel Newton, Norwich,
Vt, (Feb. 28), essence of tansy ; Daniel Pettibone, Roxbury, Conn.
(March 33), welding steel to iron ; Abner GuiJd, Dedham, Mass. (March
31), carding wool hats: Eicliard Tripe, Dover, N. H. (April 1), a
diving machine ; Ephraim Hubble, Middlebnry, Vt, (May 1), a water
wheel, being the first of about 306 patents granted up to 185T, for
water wheels, a grsatGr nnmbep than for any other article; Standfast
Smith, Suffolk, Mass. (June 12), three patents for extracting salt from
sea water and for facilitating the process ; Thos. Woodward (Aug. 1),
mannfacturing slates ; B. A. De Carreudeffez, New York (Sept 2),
yellow paint.
Congress prohibited, under heavy forfeitures and penalties, the im-
portation of slaves into the "United States, after the first of January,
1808, the earliest period at which such a law could take effect
"^' under the Constitution.' The near approach of the period in
^hcl Co gress could constitutionally terminate all participation of
Amer can c t ze a n vrongs, " which the morality, the reputation, and
the be t ntere ts of our country have long been eager to proscribe,"
was mide ti e sul je t of congratulatory reference by President Jefferson,
at the open n^, of tl e ession. This inhuman .traffic, which had never
been legal zed so oc of the states, and had been discouraged or pro-
hibited by several state and federal laws of earlier date,' was about the
eame time (March 25), formally abolished by act of Parliament, in England.
The duty on salt imported into the United States, raised by act of
(1) Scs Report uf Boston Board Trutle, acta of 22d Maroli, IJ94; Tth April, 1798;
18W, p. 79. lOlh Maj, 13011, and 23Hi Feb., JS(I3.
(2) Laws U. S., Tol. 8, chap. 67. See (S) See Tucker's BlaeliBtone, Bk. 2, eeo.
I. Walsh's Appeal, sec. 9.
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118 LINNBAM SOCIETY— BHEBP EAISING. [180T
July 8, 1191, to twenty cents per bustel, was repealed after 31st Decem-
ber, though several petitions were presented against its repeal The
bounties grauted by the same act, on salt provisions and pickled fish,
were also taken off. The duties constituting the Mediterranean Fund,
were continued until 1st Jan., following, and by subseqaent acts to 1816,
The product of the Onondaga Salt Springs this year, was 165,448 bnahels.
The "American Botanical Society, held at Philadelphia," established
hi June, 1806, resolved to extend its inquiries to natural history in
general, and took the name of tlie " Philadelphia Linnean Society,"
under the presidency of Profeasor Benjamin Smith Barton, whose
"Elements of Botany," published in 1803, was the first elementary work
on Botany, by an American. The Society, through separate committees
on Mineralogy, Botany, and Zoology, was useful in acquiring and dis-
seminating information respecting the natural productions of the conn-
try, and their uses in the arts and manufactures. (See A. D. 1810.)
The Philadelphia Society, for the encouragement of Domestic Manu-
factures, instituted in 1805, was incorporated (March 11), under the name
of the " Philadelphia Domestic Society," with a capital stock of $10,000
in shares of fifty dollars each, with power to increase the stock to
$100,000. The directors were empowered io make advances either m
cash or raw materials, as might suit the applicants, upon all American
manufactnres, particularly those of wool, cotton, or linen, to the amount
of one half the value affixed to the articles when deposited in the ware-
house of the Society, and pay the residue when sold, deducting legal
interest upon the money advanced, and a commission of five per cent,
for selling. Money was lent to manufacturers upon good notes, at legal
interest, and in that way the Society was believed to have accomplished
much good. At the time of its establisiiment, it was ascertained that
500 weavers were out of employment, and were forced into other occu-
pations. By the aid of the Society all found employment. During the
first six years, the dividends — which were a secondary consideration with
the stockholders — were six and sometimes eight per cent. The presi-
dent of the Society was Paul Cox, and the warehouse was at No. 11
South Third street.'
The Hon. Robert E. Livingston communicated to the Agricultural
Society of Dutchess Co., Now York, a statement of the profits upon a
flock of pure and mixed merino sheep, wintered at Clermont, in
Columbia Co. The flock comprised five full blood merinos of the Eam-
bouillet stock, imported by him, from which 28| pounds of wool were
shorn, and sold to Mr. Booth for ten shillings per pound ; twenty-four
(1) Laws of I'a., vtil. S, chap. 1770.— Measa'a Piet. of Phila., m ISIJ, p. 2G-1.
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1301] MERINO BHEEE — ^FULTON'S STEAMBOAT. 119
three- quartei- bred, which yielded 106 pounds of wool, sold at five
shiUiags a pound (but wortb eiglit shillings) ; and thirty half bred sheep
which gave 139| pounds of wool, sold for five shillings a pound. This
was the first wool sold by him, and one of the first sales of that article
in the United States. The net profit for the year, upon the sixty-four
sheep, exclusive of the value of forty-three lambs, was £131 18s. Pull
blood ram lambs brought $100. Seven-eighth ewes were valned at $40,
and rams at $50. A lot of seventeen cooimon sheep, in the same flock,
yielded 62^ pounds of unwashed wool, at Ss. Gd. a pound. Their keep-
ing was attended with a loss, excluding the value of fifteen lambs. The
quality of his merino sheep was found by Mr. Livingston, to have im-
proved since their importation. During the next three years bis stock
was increased to the number of 645 sheep, from full to half blood, and
SIO of the best American ewes, and half or three-fourth wethers. His
example and counsel did much to turn the attention of farmers to the
improvement of their breeds of sheep, and to prepare the way for aa
improvement in the woolen manufacture.
Sheep of the English breed, called the Bakewell, and mixed
English and merino, had been recently introduced into Cheshire, Mass.,
notwithstanding the exportation of sheep from Great Dritain had been
made a. penal offence, by act of Parliament (28 Geo. 3, Cap. 38). In
the autumn of this year, Mr. John Hart, of Cheshire, offered half blood
ram lambs, at thirty dollars per head.
About this time the Clermont, the first steamboat built by Messrs.
Pulton and Livingston, which had been launched in the spring of this
year, from the shipyard of Charles Brown, on the East river, was com-
pleted. Having been supplied with a steam engine built by Watt and
Bolton, of Birmingham, England, she was moved across the stream to
the Jersey shore, and soon after made her first trip to Albany, in thirty-
two hours, returning in thirty hours, a distance of 150 miles. This
interesting event, which demonstrated the practicability of stemming the
current of the largest rivers by steam vessels, was witnessed by many
astonished spectators, many of whom had, from the commencement of
the enterprise, constantly predicted its utter failure, and treated the
enterprising projector with open ridicule or the coldest reserve. The
boat was soon after advertised, and established as a regular passage
boat between New York and Albany ; and by her success permanently
introduced the era of navigation by steam. The state Legislature at its
ensuing session, prolonged for the term of thirty years, the exclusive
privileges previously granted the proprietors, and declared all attempts
to injure or destroy the boat — of which some had already been made —
to be public offences, punii^hable by fino and imprisonment.
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120 PROPELLER BOAT — OIL CLOTH — MANCHESTER, N. H. [18&t
About this time, an attempt was made by Jonaltiau Nicliola and
David Gri-eye, two ingenious mecliaiiies of Provideuce, R. I., to propel
a vessel by means of screws moved by 1 [ A throe mast
vessel, called the ' E [ m t ab t ItO f t 1 ^tl
leet beam, of light d t;l t 1 It by M
in shares of flfty doll h d lill a
Bphraim Southworth w t d f
ppl d by
J h b Eldy lij
th m
1 Edlj
1 tb
nd twenty
bscriptions
tr acted by
Paw tucket
boat made
t w thout sails.
Id ly the sheriff
t "ival archi-
While being
f; 1 ; but was
1 J p opellers in
Tillage. The powe
an average of four k
She was stranded in t d tl 1
to pay her cost, toMJhPkfBt tl
teet, who designed t y t th pi f th j
towed to Boston, th !y b t 1
considered to have j 1 tl f is b 1 1 f c
the manner since so f Uy d t by i,
A . manufactory of w t 1 f p t t fl
carpet, was in oper t Ph 1 d Ipl S\ i
tare were deposited th w f th D m t S
street. It is describ d t ly f t! p p
floor, on flserenyarn 0 tb t m f j I
The carpets were fur b 1 j I l w th b d
from $1,25 to $2.00 J j y 1 a 1 t th
and when partly wo lib terf p t d
with appropriate borders. By the same process, old wooh
carpets could be coated on one side at half price, and baize or coverings
for trunks and baggage, made water-proof. The mannfacture appears
to have been that at present known as Floor Oil cloth.
Blodgett's canal, around the Amoskeag PalJs of the Merrimac, in New
Hampshire, was, about this time, completed. It was one mile inlength,
and was commenced about the year 1194, through the enterprise of the
Hon. Samuel Blodgett, who foresaw the immense value for manufacturing
purposes, afforded by a fall of forty-five to fifty feet at that place, and ex-
pended a large fortune in the construction of locks, but died just beforeits
completion. The manufacturing town of Manchester has grown up in
consequence of the ample power obtained at this place, afterward ren-
dered more available by the Amoskeag cana! and other improvements.
The export trade of the TJnited Slates, this year, reached a higher
valae than in any other year previous to 1838. It amounted to
$108,343,150 in value, an increase, in sixteen years, of $89,331,109,
The domestic exports amounted to $48,699,593, and the foreign, to
I tb
f th mannfac-
3 ty, in Third
match, at
of colors :
1 nted, and
or worsted
(1) Hazard's U. &
ister, vol. 4, p. 3B3.
,y Google
1807]
131
§50,643,558. Assuming tto population to liaye been 6,300,000 persons,
the domestic exports were in tbe proportion of |1.13; the foreign,
$9.46, and the total, $1T.19 for eaj^h individual. The total value per
capita, of exports in 1790, was$i.84.
The domestic exports embraced manuracturea, to the value of |3,309,000,
cotton, about 66,200,000 lbs., worth twentj-one cents on an average,
and valued at $14,232,000 ; and flour to the value of $10,153,000. The
value of cotton exported was nearly $6,000,000 in excess of the previous
year, and nearly $8,000,000 above the average of tlie previous ten years.
The total value of the imports was $188,500,000, exceeding that of
any year previous to 1834, with the exception of 1816.
Between one and two thirds of all the exports of British produce and
manufactures, during this and the preceding year, or £11,411,334 on an
average of the two years, were believed to have been made to the United
States. The value of cotton goods exported to the United States, from
Great Britain (exeiusive of Scotland), on an average of the same two
years, was £4,393,449, or $19,000,000 ; and of woolen goods £4,591,481,
or $20,000,000.'
This prosperous condition of the foreign commerce, attained, in a great
measure, through the neutral position of the United States, in relation
to the wars in Europe, had raised the whole tonnage of the TTniou to
1,116,198 tons." The American tonnage employed in the foreign trade,
as compared with that of all other powers so employed, was in the
proportion of more than twelve to one. ,
The revenue, this year, reached nearly $16,000,000, and a surplus
remained in the Treasury of $8,500,000, after paying, during this and the
previous five and a half years, $25,500,000 of the funded debt, in addi-
tion to the cun-eat expenses and interest.'
But tbe foreign trade of the Union was about to be suddenly reduced
to less than one third the present amount, through the measures of the
f g I 11 t p ng the most important of which, were
th k g p 1 t 11 g all British seameu from abroad, and the
E t h d 1 f N ember, restricting all direct trade with
p B d I 11 d d 1 mg their ports (including all European
p t b t tl f few d ) t be in a state of blockade, to be visited
ly n d t t t by vessels licensed to do so ; and the
T h M 1 J d 11 g all ships, of tever nation, which
( ) a mm and Corgroas by the Secrottiij of the Treasurj,
p WHS I,2llB,M8i tors; nnJ the total tocnngB
( ) S nl to the on which duties were paid during tha jear,
V l> Bn- ■iKiaM5CI,5HSiton.a.
te rn to (3) Prasident's Moasags, Oot, 27, 1307.
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122 TOE LOMO EMBAHeO — AN IMPOKTANT DSCISION. [1807
submitted to the British orders in council, to be deuationalized, and
liable to capture aa lawful prizes. These were followed by other decrees
and orders, affecting neutral vessels.
For tbe protection of the ports of the United States, the president was
authorized bj Congress, to cause one hundred and eighty-eight addi-
tional gaaboats to be bnilt, or purchased.
As the safer, and more peaceful mode of inducing the belligerent
powers to withdraw the orders and decrees, affecting the neutral mara-
time trade of the United States, and of protecting its seamen and ships
from their operation, Congress laid a general embargo upon all vessels
within the jurisdiction of the United States, cleared or not cleared,
bound to any foreign place. All registered, or licensed coasting vessels,
bound from one port of tlie United States to another, were required to
give bond in donbie the value of vessel and cargo, and fishing vessels, ia
four times the value, to reland their cargoes in the United States. This
act continued in force until January 1st, 1809, and in conjunction with
the uon-importation act assisted to cojoplete the overthrow of the foreign
commerce of the Union, during that time.
The new tonnage built this year, was ^d,1M tons, from which amount
it fell off to less than ODB-tbird ia tiie following year.
At a eesaion of the United States court, held in Georgia, in December,
the first important decision was rendered by Judge Johnson, in the case
of Whitney vs. Arthur Fort, for trespass upon the patent right of
Miller and Whitney in the saw gin A decree for a perpetual injunction
was ordered against the defendant but the deus on did not terminate the
aggressions. Moie than sixty suits had been 1 ought in that state,
before a single decision on the n et it/, c f Wh tn j s claim was obtained,
and thirteen years of the patent had exj iied '
<1) OlmBlead's Memoir p iS Tho mem
ncreased and on lands t>
■obled themselves
omblo ilMision of JuBtOT Johnson rsnlered
n value Wo c nnot exp:
resB the weight of
on tliia oooneiDn, oonta oa Iho follow ng
he obi gat on which the
country owes to
remarks upon its utility The whole m
ttia invention The ft««i
,tofitt^«Mt«o«>
terior of the Southern States vsa Innguish
be lem S m f t p
tm tmybe
log, and llB inhabitants em grating fgrwanii
formed f m th fit
th t tt i
of some ohJBCt to g(Jn the r Bttent n and
rap dlv pp! t g w 1
& Ik d
Bmploj their indiistrj, when the invent o
of this machine ftt onee opens! v ews o
even fu m f t
d m y
daj pr tably pply h
f P
them, which set the whole oonnl T niKt e
onr Bast I d t d
motion. Fcom childhood to age it has pre
Or fat t 1
p t p t I th
benefits of this invenlJOQ:
; for, besides af-
dividnalB who were depressed with poTBtty,
fording the raw material S
and sank in idleness, have suddenly risen
tures, the bulkinoss and
quantity of the
in wealth and respcotiWlity. Our debts
article afford a valuable
employment foi
have been paid off. our capitals have been
their shipping,"
i.Google
1807] COTTON MILLS HTTSBUKG MANOrACIUllES. 123
During the last three years, ten cotton factories were erected, or com-
menced in the state of Rhode Island, — five of theta thia year,— and one in
Connecticut, making fifteen in all, erected in the United States up to the
close of this year. About 8,000 spindles were employed in them, and
about 300,000 pounds of yarn were produced in a jeav.'
By the interruption of the foreign trade, and the suspension of imports,
labor and capital ijegan, from this time, to be more than ever directed to
manufactures, and small manufactories of cotton were rapidly- multiplied,
particularly in New England, and near the original seat of the bnainess.
Efforts were ftlso made to improve the machinery, and Hines, Dexter &,
Co., of RboJe Island, introduced an improved cotton piciser, which was,
however, superseded by a picker made by a Scotchman.
The Maine Cotton and Woolen Manufactaring Company was, this
year, incorporated in Massachusetts, with a capital of about $100,000, and
erected works at Brunswick, in Maine, where, in 1822, it employed 1,800
spindles, and thirty-two power looms, in the manufacture of sheetings.
In Pittsburg, Pa., which had rapidly advanced in m an uf act ares and
the mechanical arts since 1193, was, at this time, a cotton factory, belong-
ing to Kirwin and Scott, which employed a male of 120 threads, a jenny
of forty threads, four looms, and a wool carding machine, under the same
roof-
Among the other manufacturing establishments of that boroagh, were
O'Hara's white glass works, producing to the value of $18^000 annually,
and one green glass factory, npon the opposite side of the Monongahela ;
McClarg's air furnace ; four nail faetoiies, one of which made 100 tons
of cut and hammered nails annnally ; two extensive breweries (O'Hara's
aUd Lewis's), making beer and porter, which had already much of the
repute which has ever since appertained to Pittsburg a!e ; two rope-
walka (Irwin's and Davia's) ; three copper and tin factories ; one wire
weaving and riddle factory ; one brass foundry ; two earthenware pot-
teries and a factory for clay smoking pipes ; sis brickyards; four print-
ing oflces and one copperplate printer. The following additional
master workmen were enumerated iu various branches ; house carpenters
and joiners, thirty-two ; boot and shoemakers, twenty-one ; blacksmiths,
seventeen ; weavers and tailors, of each, thirteen ; m ant u a -makers,
twelve; blue dyers, ten ; butchers, eight ; coppersmiths, cabinet-makera,
tanners, seven of each ; saddlers, milliners, bakers, hatters, sis each ;
watch and clockmakera, and silversmiths, five ; Windsor chair makers,
SucU a vi
ew of the beoefltB olreadj c
lon-
buie ti
) the sordid injustif 6 inflioted by Iha
rrod, and
intion, abo
iQ proapeot, from this great
Did have beea a suffioient
in-
people
Apdl 1
of Ibab state upon the inventor.
5allatiD's Seport on Maniifactiires,
.7, 1810.
i.Google
124 PHILADELPHIA PORTBK — HEIST MINERAL WATER. [180T
cjopcTs boat 1 u Ider I cUayeis plasteccis five eaeli ^Ime makers,
1 oube pointers four etch wa^on maleis spinning wheel spindle and
crank makeri stone cwttei« stone masons three each gunsmiths to-
bicconists soap boilers book binders tmneri mattress makeia barhers,
straw bonnet makera shij. builders looking glass makers booksellers,
two each of minufactniei^ of the following "trhcles one etch tiz. :
bells scythes and sicklet, (fiye miles up the Alleghany) brushes wooi
and cotton cards wove stockings cut glasi sails upholstery machinery
and whitesmilhing cutlery and tools ladies shoes split bottom chairs,
leathei breeches gloves trunks horn comi s turnery reeds sad lie trees,
flutes and jewsharp'! jumps ladies lace locks harness and saddlery,
starch There weie sixteen school teacheis four physic an s oae gar-
dener anl seedamaii fifty store kee[ ers and tnnty three taveia keepara.'
An Older waa this year receive! from merchants in Calcutta foi sixty
hogsheads of Phila lelphi'k poitei some of which had been previously
taken oat and biougl 1 1 id nninjnred Among the principal mainfac-
turers of poller brown stout and ale Hcie RobeitHare and son the
formei of whom m connection with J Wiiien both jreMOisly of
London WIS the fii'it to ii trodnce the manufactu e ot poller at Pliila-
delpliii just preiious to tlie Revf liition
The article was regarded as in all re pects superior to Engl al malt
Iiqnor as it containei no othet ingredients than malt hop<! and pure
water while the English aiticle on account of the exorb tint dutv upon
hops and malt was exten ively sophi'itic'ited with tobacco aloes,
liquorice qnas la root ind ^leen vitnol '
Tie manifactue of art fie ol Carbonated Mmeral Waters nas about
this time, first introduced in this country, at Philadelphia, by Mr. Joseph
Hawkins. With patent machinery of his own invention, and an improve-
ment upon the process employed abroad,' the business was first commenced
by Cohen & Hawkins, at 38 Chestnut st., and soon after, more extensively
by Shaw & Hawkins, at 98 Chestnut st,, the latter furnishing capital for
the business. AbraJiam H. Cohen established a separate business at
(1) Cramer's Almanio; Lytor^'a Weslsra pregnBtion. About the same time fin un-
(2) Measo's Pint, of Pliilaiialphio. namod Owon, tn mnnufncturfl mineral waters
(3) Acidulous waters of this kind are be- as a Qomniercial article. The mannfaotare
lieved to baTO been first artificiallj com- nos successfully anaertJiBen in London, m
ponnded by M. Venal, tbough in ignorance 37S2, by J. Sobwoppe, previously oFGenevB,
of their nature. This wasflrst demonstrated, encouraged liy Dr. Pearson and others, and
abont the year 1757, hy Dr. Priest! j, to be Mr. Hawliins mode some improvement upon
doB to the absorption of carbonie acid, or bis prooess. Appropriate apparntus was
foroed air, as it was called, and he con. invenied by Dr. Korth, and improved bj
trived an easy method of effecting the iia- others at an early period.
i.Google
1801] SHOT — PBINTER'S rollers — SHOES— BUTTON a 125
31 South SeeoEd st. These parties obtained testimonials from tlia most
respectable physicians and chemiata of the city, as to the purity and health-
fulness of the waters made by them, which contained three and a half
times the quantity of carbonic acid gas found in any natural springs.
Artificial Seltzer, Soda, Pyrmont, and Ballstovvn waters were supplied by
them at six cents the glass, and from one to two dollars per dozen bottles,
according to size, and from the fountain, to subscribers, at $1,50 per
month, or four dollars per quarter, for one glass daily.
Manufactories of shot had been lately established or reviyed in Phila-
delphia, with a fair prospect of superseding the importation of foreign
shot. Lead found in Louisiana, and shipped from New Orleans, was
chiefly employed. The patent shot tower of Paul Beet, on the Schuyl-
kill, one of the earliest, was upon a large scale, being over ITO feet higli,
and very complete in its machinery.
An improvement in printing, the invention of Mr. Hugh Maxwell, was
in uso in three or more printing oflces in Philadelphia. It consisted in
the ase of a roller, in place of halls, for inking type, and was estimated
to savo to each press, six dollars per week, in addition to the gain in
time, and superiority of workmanship. The cost of the machine,
completp, was |100.
Patent iron-bound boots and shoes were manufactured in Philadelphia,
by Mr. John Bedford, by a process claimed to be a saving of three-fourths
the labor, and by greater durability, of one half the leather required by
the common method. Mr. Bedford offered patent rights for the county
at $100 each, and for states, districts, and towns, in proportion. He
continued the mannfacture many years, and subsequently patented a
process of nailing on the aoles of boots and shoes. ■ A patent was also
giwited this year (Feb. 10), to Samuel Miiliken, of Lexington, Mass.,
for manufacturing boots and shoes wiih metallic bottoms.
A manufactory of carpeting, considered equal to the best imported, was
estahlisbed in Philadelphia, about this time, by Mr. John Dorsey.
The General Society of Mechanics of New Haven, was formed and
incorporated (in October), to regulate and promote the mechanical arts,
and to assist young mechanics by loans, etc.
A mannfactory of hard metal buttons, recently established in Water-
bury, Conn., by Abel Porter & Co, produced triple, double, and single
gilt coat and vest buttons, in every variety of shapes, forms, and colors,
and militai^ and naval buttons, according to sample. The gliding of
buttons, sword hilts, etc., was done by a workman from London.
Several patents were granted for making cut and other nails, brads,
and tacka, of which the most important was the machine for cutting and
heading nails by one operation, issued (Feb. 22) to Jesse Reed, of
,y Google
136 PATENTS— DtrxlEB ON COPfER. [1807
Boston, wlio took one patent previonely, and several afterward. His
machine came into extensiye use.' Samuel Milliken, of Lexington,
Mass., a large morocco manufacturer, patented (Feb. 10) boots and
shoes with metallic bottoms ; Charles Pales, Worcester, Mass. {Feb. II),
mannfactui-ing charcoal from peat ; Sylvester Q. Whipple, Ilallowell,
Mass. (April 11), bark for hats and bonnets; Ebenezcr Jenks, Canaan,
Conn. (April 18), fire brick machine ; Jonathan Mix, "Now Haven, Conu.
(Feb. 18), main spring for carriages. This was a spring of elliptical form,
placed parallel to the axle, to whicb it was screwed in the centre, and
was considered a great improvement in cheapness and convenience, over
the ordinary imported high steel springs. Cornelius Toby, Hudson, New
York, (Maj 1), a bark mill of iron ; this was the first to supersede the
old stone crushers, and, with few improvements, is the one still in use among
tanners ; Wm, Young, Philadelphia (May 20), manufacturing lasts ;
Simeon Glover and D. Parmolcc, Newtown, Conn. (June 8)^ a mortising
machine; Isaiah Jennings, K"ew Yoric (Nov. 20), thimbles for sail-
makers, being the first of about tliirty-flve different patents received
during the next thirty years, by the inventor of the patent burning-fluid.
Petitions were laid before Congress by the Messrs. Paul and J. W.
Revere, of Boston, melters and refiners of copper, and manufacturers of
copper in sheets, bolts, nails, etc., for fastening ships, praying for
"^" a duty of seventeen and a half per cent, on copper in sheets, — in
which they professed to be able to supply the TTnited States, — and the
free importation of old copper. Counter memorials from the merchants,
copper smiths, and braziers, of New York and Philadelphia, representing
that under the existing duty on manufactured copper, and the free admis-
sion of unwrought copper, foreign wares were seldom imported, but con-
siderable quantities of domestic wares were yearly exported to the West
Indies, and asking a repeal of the duty on spelter, old copper, brass, and
pewter. , Congress therefore enacted (March 4), that after 1st April,
old copper, saltpetre, and sulphur, imported as raw materials, should be
admitted duty free.
An act of Parliament (March 28), laid certain duties upon all mer-
(1) Previous to Sept, ZB, 1809, twentj-
fflflohinea, Tbo throe works, ineluding
two of Beed'a pMent machines were pnt in
buildings, maohinery, etc., and two rolling
operation at Maiden, five miles from Boston,
and slitting mills, cost £90J]00, and re-
quired an itotive capital of $75,000. The
chased the patent. They were also oon-
fifty-two machines, with sistjmen and hoys.
earnedln two eatu,bUahments in Pa., one
wore capable of making from the oail plates
on Cbeslar creek, with ten maohines, and
I,EOO tons per annum.
the other on Preuch ereek (PhffiniAvme),
The machine was afterward adapted to
where they were preparing to ereet twenty
cutting tacks, by Mr. Odiorne.
i.Google
1808] ACTS OF PABLIAMEST — EOADS AND TURNPISES. 12t
chandiae exported from Great Britain under the regulations established
by the orders m council of Not. 1 1, 180T. Cotton wool was to pay a duty
of ninety-nine pence sterling per ponnd ; cotton yarn, two shillings ; India
cottons and muslins, tw enty-Eve pel cent. ; bar iron, three pounds per ton ;
saltpetre, one pound aud eight ahilliuga per cwt.
Orders were pnbhshed, m April, encouraging Amcriean citizens to
violate the embargo
April 14. — Parliament prohibited the exportation of cotton wool from
the tTuited Kingdom, until the end of the next session.
The importation of merchandise of American growth and mannfaetare,
was, by act of Parhiraent (June 23), permitted to be made directly from
the United States into Great Britain, in British or American vessels,
Bubject to such duties only, as were payable on the like commoditiea
imported from other countries.
April 8. — Mr. Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury, in pursuance of a
resolution of the United States Senate, of March 2, 3 SOT, made an elabo-
rate report on the subject of Public Koada and Canals.
It stated that a great namher of artificial roads had been completed in
the Eastern and Middle States, at a cost varying from les? than $1,000
to 114,000 a mile. In the state of ConDectient aJbne, fifty turnpike
companies had been incorporated since the year 1803. All the roads
nndertalien by them were turnpikes, of which thirty-nine, extending TTO
miles, were completed. The most expensive, that from Kew Haven to
Hartford, cost at the rate of f 3,280 per mile. Its net income from tolls,
was only $3,000. Thirty-two others, extending 615 miles, cost but $550
a mile, and gave a net income of $38,000, or about eleven per cent. Of
BIX others, reaching 120 miles, no account was received. In Massa-
chnsetts, besides seme turnpites, several roads of a more expensive kind,
coating from $3,000 to $14,000 per mile, had been built, but were less
remunerative than those of Connecticut. The Salem road yielded six
per cent , and another eight, but the others did not average over three
per cent. The largest amount of capital invested in turnpikes, was in
New York, where in less than seven years, sixty-seven companies had
been incorporated with a nominal capital of nearly $5,000,000, for the
construction of more than 3,000 miles of artificial roads. Twenty-one
other companies, with a capital of $400,000, had been incorporated for
the erection of twenty-one toll bridges. Twenty-eight turnpike com-
panies, with a capital of $1,800,000. nere known to have completed 900
miles of road, and had 200 more to fli-'ih. The coat varied from $1,250
to $10,000 a mile. In Pennsylvania, which was the first to build a turn-
pike road, many roads were completed or in progress, at a high cost, and
two companies had been chartered to extend them to Pittsburg on the
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128 BttlDGBB— CANALS— BAILKOADS. [1808
Ohio, 300 miles from Philadelphia. Others were in progress toward the
(Jenesee, and Lalte Erie. Several had been undertaken at considerable
cost, in New Jersey and Maryland, besides the United States tavQpike,
from Cumberland, in Maryland, to Brownsville. There were few south
of the Potomac.
In regard to bridges the same difference was observed in favor of the
more popnloas northern states, and, south of Pennsylvania, their want
was much felt, even on the main post roads. In New England, and es-
pecially in Massachusetts, wooden bridges, uniting boldness ami elegance,
were erected over the broadest and deepest rivers. In Pennsylvania, and
in some places more eastwardly, bridges with stone piers, and abutments,
and wooden superstructure, were common, of which the Schuylliill Per-
manent bridge, erected by a company at a cost of $300,000, might be
considered the first and most expensive example in the United States.
A bridge had been recently thrown across the Potomac, three miles
above Washington, wholly suspended on iron chains, without intervening
piers, and was deserving of notice on account of its boldness, and com-
parative cheapness.
The report recommended the appropriation, from the public revenues,
of 12,000,000 amiuaHy, for ten yeara, for the following objects of national
importance, as perfecting the communication between different parts of
the Union, nz. -.
J. Por canals across the several headlands on the Atlantic coast,
except Capo Fear, and for a great turnpike road from Maine to Georgia,
3. To improve the navigation of the four great Atlantic rivers ; for
four first-rate turnpike roads across the mountains to the western rivers ;
for a canal around the falls of the Ohio ; and the improvement of roads
to Detroit, St. Louis, and New Orleans,
3. For inland navigation from the North river to Lake Champlain,
and also to Lake Ontario ; and for a canal around the Falls of Niagara.
The aggregate expense of these works was estimated at $16,600,000,
and fS, 400,000 was proposed for various subsidiary improvements, to
equalize to the several sections of country the advantages of the grand
improvements proposed.
The report was accompanied by communications from Messrs, B. H.
Latrobe and Robert Pulton, upon the relative cost and advantages of
canals, turnpikes, and railroads. In reference to the latter, Mr. Latrobe
observed, "Railroads leading from the coal mines (of Virginia), to the
margin of James river, might r.,swer the expense, or others from the
marble quarries near Pliiladelphia, to the SchuyJkill. Bat these are the
only instances within mj knowledge, in which they at present might be
employed, "
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1808J NATIONAL AUSIORIES — STEAMBOATS — EXPORTS. 129
Much interest on the subject of internal impro?cments, was excited by
the able report of the Secretary, and, about this time, the iirst distinct
motion was made in the New York Legislature, by Joshua Forman, for
the survey of a canal route between the Hudson and Lake Erie.
April 23.™ Congress authorized the Presideat to pnrchase sites for,
and erect such additional armories, and manufactories of arms, as he
might deem expedient, under the limitations and restrictions provided by
law. The limitation of workmen to the number of 100 was repealed.
An appropriation was also made, of $20,000 annually, to provide arms
and military equipments for the whole militia of the United States, in
proportion to the number in each. Under these acts the public factories
were enlarged, and eapplied with additional machinery, and contracts
■•ere made with private manufacturers of ai'ms. During the nest eight
j-ears, 62,606 arms were delivered to the exeoutivea of the several states.'
Mr. Bibb, of Georgia, introduced in the House of Representatives, the
following resolution; "That the members of the House of Representa-
tives will appear at their next meeting clothed in the manufactures of their
own country." Not meeting with general approval, it was withdrawn.'
Samuel Slater & Co., cotton spinners, of North Providence, announced
for sale, by Samuel Haydoek, 38 South Second st., Philadelphia, cotton
twist and filling, brown and bleached, three-threaded bleached yarn,
numbers eight to forty, and bleached cotton sewing thread, numbers
twenty to forty, also checlta and stripes, and tickings of superfine and
middling qualities.
The steamboat Phcenix, built by John Stevens, was navigated from
Hoboken, N. J., to PhilaiJelphia, by Eobt. L. Stevens, being, probably,
the first steam vessel that ever navigated the ocean.
The Clermont, having been enlarged, resumed her ti'ips as a passage
boat between New Yorlc and Albany. Other boats were soon after
built for the Hudson, and for steamboat companies formed in different parta
of the Union. The New Tork Legislature this year extended the ex-
clusive privUeges of Fnlton and Livingston to thirty years.
The total exports of the United States, for the year, were reduced to
5^32,430,960, of which $9,433,546 were of domestic productions, including
manufactures to the value of $411,000, and cotton worth $2,321,000.
The exportations were principally made in the last three mouths of the
previous year, having been snbseqaently saspended by the embargo.
The mannfactures of South Carolina were, at this time, very inconsider-
able ; but, while the privations created by the embargo were severely felt,
Dr. Shecut, by a series of warm addresses published in the Charleston City
(I) Sejbei-t, 009, em, 328. (2) Bentoa's Debalos of Cung., rol. 3, p. 710.
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130 SOUTH CAROLINA AND VIRSIOTA — OOEDAQB. [1808
Gazette, succeeded in arousing a spirit fuvorable to domestic industry.
After sBTcral public meetings, an association, called tlie Soutb Carolina
Homeapnn Company, was formed, and soon after incorporated witli a
capital of about 130,000, to promote the manufacture of common domes-
tic fabrics. A lot of ground was purchased, and a procession of 4,000
persons, and a still larger assemblage, attended the laying of the eoruer
stone of the first edifice on a large scale, in that part of the ITnion,
devoted to domestic mannfactnres. A congratulatory address was de-
livered by Wm. Loaghton Smith, Esq., and approval and support of the
measure was regarded as a test of patriotism.
Increased value had been given to the rice crop, within a few years,
by the genera! use of mills for thresliing and cleaning it, introduced and
improved by the Messrs. Lucas, by Mr. C. Kialock, of Georgetown, and
Mr. Deneale, of Tirginia. The Agricultural Society also offered gold
and silver medals for various hydranlic machines, for agricultural purposes.
About this time also, the subject was pressed upon the people of Vir-
ginia, in an address issued at Richmond, signed by Messrs. W. H. Cabell,
Wm, Wirt, Wm. Foushee, Sen., Peyton Randolph, and Thomas Ritchie,
advocating such a system of domestic manufactures, as would render
tbem independent of foreign Eations. The address stated that it was
possible, " even if the present attacks on oar trade should b!ow over.
Congress may adopt the policy of encouraging our own manufactures,
by rather higher duties on the imported articles of Europe, if they should
discover, from the experience of the intermediate time, that we have
really the inclination and the spirit to clothe ourselves."
The President, in opening the second session of the tenth Congress,
adverted to the fact, that the suspension of foreign commerce had im-
pelled the country to apply a portion of its industry and capita! to
internal manufactures aEd improvements, to a daily increasing extent,
and that "little d bt m U t th t bl hm t formed, and
forming, would, und th j 1 h p m t 1 d snbsistence,
the freedom from lb dtt tbn dfpt cting duties
and prohibitions, b m p m t
A memorial to C g p t d ly n th n by ten manu-
facturers of twines dl E t CI 1 t Pljm nth, Salem,
and Beverly, Mass., asking an increased duty upon these articles, with
which they claimed to be able to supply the United States, as cheaply
as tlfey could bo imported, but for the extended credit given tlie im-
porters, states that they manufactured annually, from hemp, 46,000
dozen of lines, and from flax, 27,500 lbs. of twine.
The total tonnage of new vessels built this year, was only 31,T55 tons,
or about one-third that of the previous year. Ship-building was given
,y Google
I80B] SUINI GIAee— DOT NAIIS — COTTON KILLS, 131
up on tie Oliio, in consequence of the embargo, only one schooner, of
100 tons, having been constructed at Marietta. Of the gunboats
autiiorized by Congress, in December last, 103 were built during this year.
The first flint glass manufactory was established in Pittsburg, by
Messrs. Bakewells & Co., who met with many difBcalties in discovering
the proper materials, seeking and training woritmen, etc., hut succeeded
in establishing an extensive business.
A steam flouring mill, calculated to run three pairs of stones, was also
erected in the borough, bj Ohver and Owen Evans, at a cost of $14,000.
The valuable water power of French creek, in Chester Co., Pa., was, at
this time, appropriated by the erection of a large cut nail factory, and
rolling and slitting mill, where the manufacturing borough of Phosnix-
ville now stands. The works were principally owned by Mr, Longstreth,
who, in connection with Thomas Odiome, of Maiden, Mass., erected
twenty of Jesse Reed's machines for cutting and heading nails at one
operation. Ten of these machines were previously put in operation, by
Mr. Odiorne, on Chester creek. The French creelt works were snbse-
quently owned, among others, by Lewis Wernwag, the distinguished
architect of the Fairmoant wooden bridge; by Messrs. Jonah and
George ThompsoD, by whom new works were erected in 1822 ; and by
Reeves & Whittaker, of whom. Re ere s, Buck & Co., the present owners,
are the snecessors. This was the commencement of an extensive nail-
ing and iron business in the valley of the Schuylkill.
A series of articles were published in the Aurora newspaper, at Phila-
delphia, upon "the applications of chemistry in the arts and manufac-
tures," by Dr. James Cutbush, afterward acting professor of chemistry
in the United States Military Academy, and the author of a posthumons
" System of Pyrotechny," and other works.
The Dnion Manufacturing Company, of Maryland, was incorporated
with a capital of $1,000,000, in 20,000 shares, of fifty dollars each, owned
by over 300 persons, including the state, which owned 200 shares, to
carry on the manufacture of coarse cotton goods, on a large scale,
A site was selected upon the Patapsco river, ten miles from Baltimore,
adjoining the lower mills and works of the Messrs, Ellicott. A dam was
built of timber, ITO feet wide, and a canal 6U rods in length, affording
water power for eight mills of the largest class. Two mills were erected
110 by forty-four feet, five stories high, and adapted for 10,000 spindles,
with the requisite water looms. The first mill commenced running in
May, 1810, and continued until Dec, 1815, when its machinery, consist-
ing of 6,000 spindles and their appendages, was destroyed by fire. The
second mill was started in Jnlj, 1814.
The Washington Cottou Manafacturing Company, with a capital of
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132 COTTON — SHOES — POTASH — FLAX MACHINE, ETa [1808
$100,000, in Bharoa of fifty dollars eacb, was incorporated about one year
after the TJnion, and erected works on James Falls, five miles from Bal-
timore. It was confined to spinning cotton by water power.
The manufacture of cotton was rapidly increasing in Rhode Island,
and the adjoining states. The following mills were this year eatabliahed
in Rhode Island : the Potoivomut company, at Warwich, one at South
Kingston, and one at Coventry; one at Rehoboth, Mass., and one at
Sterling, Conn. The Pawtucket mill of S. Slater was still the largest
in the Union.
Shoes began this year to be manufactured in Georgetown, Mass.,
where the business has since become extensive.
The Mgh price of potash in Canada, where it is said to hare risen, in
consequence of the embarrassments of commerce, from $100 or $120 per
ton, to $300, gave a great impulse to its mannfactnre in northern New
York. Nearly the whole population of Essex Co. engaged in the man-
ufacture and transportation of the article to Montreal, which was con-
tinued until the declaration of war, in 18)2.*
The Laws of Louisiana (Territory), tho first book printed west of the
Mississippi, was published this year.
The manufacture of hats began at Plaiiifield, N. J., where it ia atill
actively carried on.
The Emperor Napoleon, in order to create in Prance a rival industry
to the cotton manufacture of England, which enabled her to carry on the
war suceessfnlly, offered a premium of 1,000,000 francs, to any pei-son,
of any nation, who wonld invent a machine for spinning flas with the
same facility tliat cotton was spun by machinery. The award was never
made. John Dumbell took out a patent in England, in August, for flax
spinning.
Barlow'a Columbiad was issued in a style making it the most magni-
ficent volnme which had yet appeared in America. It was in quarto
form, and was illustrated by engravings executed in London, several of
which were designed hy Robert Eulton, the friend of the author. The
sale was quite limited on account of the high price, and was followed by
a cheaper edition in the next year.
Among the patents issued this year, was one to Oliver Evans (Jan.
22), renewing by special act of Congress, for fourteen yeare, his patent
of Dee. 18, 1790, for manufacturing flour and meal. An alleged infor-
mality in the old patent had caused a anit, in the courts of Pennsylvania,
to be given against him, and otherwise deprived him of its benefits.
Under the new patent, he claimed not only the exclusive use of the ma-
(1) Wation'e Ag. Sur. of Easu Co.
,y Google
1808] PATENTS— BaOADCLOTH — SALT. I'iS
cbinery speeifieiJ, bat also to protibit the use of any other inyeiitiou
that should accomplish the same eft'ect, however different in principle.
He also advanced his charges for the use of his macliinerj, to many times
the former rate, viz. : for the right to use it with a pair of stones four
and a lialf feet in diameter, from thirty doUara to |300 ; and for a mill
to run five pair of stones seven feet in diameter, $3,6T5, for which his
former demand was only $200. Memorials were afterward presented to
Congress for an amendment or repeal of the act, in which testimony was
adduced that Evans was not the original inventor of any portion of the
machinery.' Wm. B. Dyer, Baltimore (Feb. 37), a cordage spinning
wheel ; Reuben Ainsworth (May 14), making pearlash without ovens ;
Wm. Rhodes, New York (May 16), afloatingdry dock; Caleb Johnston,
New Glasgow, Ta. {June 3), a double lever tobacco press ; James
Armour, Jr., Baltimore (June 27), spiral folding carriage springs ; Abel
Brewster, Hartford, Conn. (July 11), vitriolic test for bank bills ; Stephen
W. Dana, Eutland, Tt. (August 30), an improvement in carnages.
This consisted in attaching a separate axle of iron to each wheel, and
making it revolve with the wheel. It was supported near the wheel, by
a metal box causing little friction, the other end resting also in a strong
metal box onder the body. A committee of the most respectable me-
chanics of neighboriag towns, after fully testing it, bore public testimony
to its value as an improvement Elisha Callender, Boston (Oct. 3),
lightning rods, the first for that object ; Daniel Pettibone, Philadelphia
(Oct. 28), stoves for rarifjing air foi waiming houses by pure heated air.
This improvement was soon aftei put in use in the Almshouse, and
House of Employment, in Philadelphia and Drs. T. 0. James, Chapman,
several members of Congress and others, gave testimonials of its utility
for general use, particularly for w armiUj, and ventilating churches, courts
of justice, hospitals, manufactories, ett,., of which it appears to have been
the earliest attempt, in this country.
The first meeting in PittsBeM, Mass., to form a company to manufac-
ture fine cloth and stockings, was held in January, when it was resolved,
"that the introdnction of spinning jennies, as is practiced in
loUi) ;g[jgig,u^^ jnto private families is strongly recommended, since one
person can manage by hand, by the "operation of a crank, twenty-four
spindles," Fine broadcloth had been made in the place for four or five
years, by Arthur Scholfield, from the wool of merino sheep, recently
introduced, for weaving which he received forty to sixty cents per yard.
The quantity of salt made at the Onondaga Salines, was about 300,000
(1) Bonton'a Debates of CoBgress.
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134 SALT — LEAD — WOOLEN GOODS. [1809
bushels annually. The domestic manufacture of salt in the TTnited
States had not, for several years, kept pace with the increase of popula-
tion. At the Indiana or Wabash Saline, where the cost of manufacture
did not exceed seventy-five cents per bushel, the mariet price of salt had
not been less than two dollars a bushel, the quantity being short of the
demand. The average animal importation of foreign salt, — much of it
in ballast, — during the six years ending Dee. 31, 180T, was about
3,000,000 bushels of fifty-six lbs. each, exclusive of the quantities used in
the cod fishery, and for pickled and salted provisions i exported. The
quantity in the country was considered very inadequate to the supply of
the year, and the most eligible modes of meeting the deficiency were the
relaxation of the commercial restrict! o us, or an increase of the Onondaga
and sea shore manufactures, either by a bounty on the product, or by a
renewal of the duty on foreign salt. The whole sea coast, from Maine to
Georgia, afforded opportunity for the profitable employment of capital,
with suitable protection. Extensive works were erected, during the nest
ten years, along the coast, particularly of North Carolina.
The manufacturers of salt in Massachusetts petitioned Congress for a
duty on salt imported from abroad.
A report of the first Geological Survey of the United States, by
William Maclure, dated Jaauarj 20th, and published in the sixth volume
of the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, was the first
work on the subject. It has been followed by those of Professor Cleveland,
in 1816 ; C. Ljell, in 1845 ; and B. de Terneuil, in 1847.
Mining operations, which had been suspended by the Eevolution,
were resumed in the lead mines at Southampton, Mass., by Perkins
Nichols, Esq., of Boston. They were continued by him and otliers,
especially David Hinckley, until the death of the latter, about 1828, when
they ceased until 1852, at which time they were reopened by Stearns
and Sturgess. The neighboring mines of Northampton were, about the
same time, reopened.
The scarcity and high price of woolen goods created by the restrietiona
upon trade, at this time turned public attention strongly to sheep hus-
bandry, and the domestic manufacture of wool. The few full blood
Spanish merino sheep in the country, derived from the importations of
Messrs. Humphreys and Livingston, speedily rose in price to $500 and
even $1500 each, and fine merino wool from seventy-five cents to two dol-
lars per pound. In the course of this year Wra. Jarvis, Esq., of Weathers-
field, Vermont, the American consul at Lisbon, purchased 1,400 of the
crown flocks of the Escuriel, sold by order of the Trench government, —
which he shipped to this country. During this and the following year,
he sent upward of 2,000 more pure merinos. These, with some importa-
,y Google
1809] IMl'UOVED SnEEP — WOOLEN CLOTir. 135
tions by other parties, to the nnmbev in all of about 5,000 imported
up to this time, soon reduced the price, and introduced the breeds widely
throughoat the countiy. A few of the full blood Paular stock of Mr.
Humphreys, and their half blood descendants, had been introduced into
Bennington Co., Tt., by Mr. Stoddard, of Eupert, soon after their
arrival. A half blood back from his flock had also been taken into
Washington Co., N. Y., by Aaron Cleaveland, and this year the first
full blooded buck was hired from Mr. Stoddard for fifty dollars, by Hon.
H. Wilson, of Salem, for which he received the bounty of fifty dollars,
offered by the state to the pei-son who should introduce the first merino
back into each county, — a measure also recommended by the governor
of New Hampshire, at the nest session of its Legislature. The New
York Assembly also further encouraged the woolen branch by offering
premiums of silver plate, worth eighty, 100, and 160 dollars respectively,
in additioa to bounties from each county, for tJie three best specimens
of narrow cloth, woven in families, and like premiums for the best
samples, of 200 yards each, of cloth made by professed manufacturers.
The prize was awarded through the Society of Arts, and last year,
was given to domestic cloth made from Mr, Livingston's three-quarter
bred sheep. In 1810, the county premium was given to that from Mr.
Cleaveland's quarter bred lambs. About this time also, Robt. Prince,
a merchant of New York, purchased some of the Jarvis importation at
$600 each, which were plaoed in charge of A. McNish, of Salem, and
the half blood lambs were annaally sold to neighboring parts. These
were the first merinos in Washington Co. and the neighboring towns of
Vermont, which are now among the most esteusive wool growing districts
in the Union, and still furnish specimens of nnmised merino stock. Select
specimens of the Estunel flock of Mr. Jarvis, were also introduced into
Queens Co., Long Island, by Judge Lawrence and his Quaker neighbors,
which were in high rppute, and also furnished pure and grade bucks
during the next ten years, to large sections of the Northern and Middle
States.'
The efforts of agriculturists were not confined to merinos. Otherim-
proved breeds were obtained and propagated through individual enter-
prise, and the exertions of vaiions local societies. Among these the Cattle
Society of Philadelphia, institnted this year, and the Berkshire Agricul-
tural Society, in Massachusetts, by establishing periodical exhibitions of
farm sloeli, became prominent. A Merino Society was soon after formed
in the Middle States.^
(1) Fitob's Agrloulturia Survey of Wasii- Oattla Sooietr, teld in July and Ootobor,
ington County. ehaop of tho Morino, Irish, Tunis orBarbary,
(2) At Ae first semi-annual ahoBS of tlia New Leicester or Balreweli, and Southdown
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33G WOOLEN MANUFACTOaiES. [1809
The possession of an improved quality of wool and Uic scarcity of
woolens, also called into existence a number of small manufactories of
various kinds of woolen goods, and notwithstanding the high price of ma-
terial, many of them were profitably conducted uutil after the war. SeTeral
companies were this year formed in the interior of Massachusetts for this
purpose, although one onlj, that at Byefield, the oldest in the state, was
named in the report of Mr. Gallatin, presented to Congress early in the
ensuing year, and containing particulars respecting fifteen woolen mills
in the different states. The Northampton Woolen Manufacturing Com-
pany of James Shepherd & Co., was estensively engaged, from about
this time, in maanfaeturing broadcloths and cassimeres. A mill started
at Daaville, Pa., about this time, is said to have yielded a net profit of
forty per cent, on the capital stock. President Madison was this year
inducted into office, in the first inaugural suit of American broadcloth.'
Mr. Jefferson, who ordered sheep from Spain this year, in a letter to
Col. Humphreys, likewise acknowledges the receipt of a piece of cloth
from his manufactory "as good as any one would wish to wear in any
country," presented, doubtless, like the former, in admiration of the
foreign commercial policy of the distinguished recipient. That policy,
howeyer promotive of this and seyeral other branches of domestio
manufacture, was the subject of much complaint among the commercial
classes, particularly of Massachusetts, and produced considerable jealousy
and eyen hostihty toward the manufacturing industry of the country.
The superior regard at this time generally bestowed upon the commer-
breeda, were sxhibiled. A premium of fifty
dullara was offered for the inttoduction into
Fhilndelphio, or CelnnHre connties of a full
blood ram oftlie lestnamoij stock, and SlOO
to any persoD who would originnte, by ee-
teotion and admixture frooi untire stock, Di
aeir breed thnt H'Ould fatten easily, and pro-
iluoo tlie uioat and finest wool. In October,
1 large scle eCuiuety-eight sheep and lambs,
croaaes between the Dishley or Leicester
and common sheep, were sold at Flemington,
H. J., by Mr Josepb Capner, for $927. Full
blood bucks of that breed, vaioed for ita
fattening qualities, and the wool, 'nbieli
faeture of worsted, let for Sl60 to $200 the and small clothes from fleeces of tbo Living
sesaon. Among the improvers of sheep in ston floek in New York, presenls from thesi
the Middle States beside Mr. Capner, were gentlemen respectirely. The manufiieturi
Miles Smith and Mr. Parmer, near New of the material has, however, been also as.
BruDBwiok, Mr. Caldwell of Hoddonfield oribed to Arthur SoholSeld of Pittsfleld
N. J., Dr. Mease and Mr. Thomas Bulkley, Mass., the pioneer in this branoli of manu.
near Philadelphia, Mr. Dupout InDelaivare, facturc.
andot
hers.
, Geo. Washi
ngton Cus
iis, E:
disi
.inguiahed slo
ok grower
, had
contly
ooll.
ad publio atte
intion to a
able bi
reed of «ild sheep
on Smith",
sisia
oif the
icoa
St of Virginia
, whioh we
iresh.
twice .
aye
ar, ond yield
ed wool, when 1
grown,
,ave
to nine inohes
i long, and
super
in fine:
to any in the
world. M
ai-ylai
Virgin
ia, I
ind other sta
tes, yieve !
provin
gtli.
sir stock of eh
esp.
(1) :
Iho
coat is said to
have been
made
the ex
itens
ive factory of
Col. David Hu
phreya
, on
the Naugatn-
Ik, at Hun
iphro;
ville, ii
[Xthi
) town of Derby, Conn.,
i.Google
1809} JEEFERSOHS LETTER O'i M iMUrAClURUa I3T
cial intero'its af ttu nation wLith witli tl o a^iicultQ ot tho coui tij
had been g eatlyj(aug iienteil and eniicted duiing tlie long j er od of war
in Europe leadeied it foi some time d Sicult for the maimfactnreis t
obtain that command of capital and iid fiom the nioi led mstitotiona of
the countiy that waa nei-essary to place their ne v enteij rises at once
upon a suocessful footing The enconia^ement affcidel bv the taiift
had been in generil inadequate to the efflutut protuct on of the home
manufacturer agaiiist the products of the cip tal skill ■inl cheap labor
of Europe brought to hisdoorsby a pletlioi l commeice and aided by
Jong standing piejudice in favor of foreign manufactures A chinge
was, however aluut to tate plate both lu the geneiai appieciation of
domestic manulactuies and in the disposition to enc3niai,e and promote
them by individual example and eft it The household m-muf^ctarea
consequently were extended even moie laj llj tlan those of regular
factories, and the disposition to use them which ha 1 become in part \
necessity, wab lapidly growing into a fi&hion In the woolen and hnou
branches, pa ticulaily the great mas-, of production watj till tf this
character, evidence ot which is fmnished m the oflicia] lepjifc on the snb
ject by the Secretary of the lieisuiy
The lettei of Mi. Jefferson, above referred to, and other eoirespondeiice
of this date, are supposed to indicate a considerable change in his views
regarding the measure of encouragement to be given to domestic manu-
factures, and the weight of his opinions went far to influence the general
sentiment. Tiie spirit everywhere aroused by the circumstances which
had produced his favorite measure of the embargo, he supposed to be
unchangeably in favor of the future independence of the country. In
respect to the products of manufactures. About this time he wrote to
Thomas Leiper, of Philadelphia: "I have lately inculcated the encour-
agement of manufactures to the extent of our own consumption, at least
in all articles of which we raise the raw material. On this, the federal
papers and meetings have sounded the alarm of Chinese policy, desti-uc-
tion of comnierce, etc This absurd hue and cry has contributed
much to federalize New England ; their doctrine goes to the sacrificing
agriculture and manufactures to commerce ; to the calling all our people
from the interior country to a sea-shore to turn merchants; and to
convert this great agricultural country into a city of Amsterdam. But
I trust tho good sense of oar country will see that its greatest pros-
perity depends on a due balance between agriculture, manufactures, and
commerce, and not in this protuberant navigation which has kept us in
hot water from the commencement of our government, and ia now
engaging us in a war. That this may be avoided, if it can be done
without a surrender of rights, ia my [sincere prayer."
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' — CONGRESSIONAL ACTIOM. [1809
To Govemov Jay, a little later, lie wrote : " An equilibrium of agri-
culture, manufactures and commerce, is certainly become essential to
our independence. Manufactures sufficient for our own consumptiun of
what we raise, tlie raw material — and no more. Commerce sufficient to
carry the surplus produce of agriculture beyond our own consumption,
to a market for exchanging it for articles we cannot raise — and no more.
These are the true limits of manufactures and commerce. To go beyond
them, is to increase oar dependence on foreign nations and our liability
to war."
On March 1st the embargo was repealed, and an act was passed
interdicting all commercial intercourse between the United States and
Great Britain, France and their dependencies, after 20th May. In
ease either belligerent should revoke or modify its offensive orders or
decrees, the President was empowered to re-open, by proclamation, the
trade with that country.
On assurances received from the resident British Minister, Mr.
Erskine, that the British orders in council would be withdrawn after
10th June, the President (April 19) issued a proclamation suspending
the n on -intercourse act after that time, in so far as it related to Great
Britain. TTuusual joy and activity immediately took possession of all
our seaports, preparatory to the resumption of trade between the two
coautries. But tlie British governmeiit having disavowed the act of its
envoy, who was recalled, a second proclamation (Aug. 9) re-established
the interdict, and diploinatie intercourse between the two countries soon
after ceased.
On June 1th the House of Eepresentatives adopted tlie following
resolution : —
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to prepare
and report to this house at their next session, a plan for the application
of such means as are within the power of Congress, for the purpose of
protecting and fostering the manufactures of the United States, together
.with a statement of the several manufacturing establishments which
have been commenced, the progress which has been made in them and
the success with which they liave been attended ; and such other infor-
mation as, in the opinion of the Secretary, may be material in exhibiting
a general view of the manufactures of the United States."
Circulars calling for information on the subject, were issued from the
Treasury Department on the 28th July, and the report was made in the
following April.
The House also ordered the repi-inting of Secretary Hamilton's
Report on Manufactures, presented in 1191.
A petition from John Allen and Other manufacturers of hemp into
,y Google
1809] CONGKESS— AGIIICULTUKAL MPLE MB HTS— COTTON BOCK. 139
liQen, asking, in ?iew of a renewal of foraign importations, tlie interposi-
tiou of Congress in belialf of manufactories created by tlie embargo,
Btates that Klentacky already maaufacturecl sufBcient baling linen for
the greater part of the cotton country; other factories were in conrse
of erection, and several persons were extending their views to finer linen
and sail cloth. The state could produce hemp for the whole TTuion,
although much was imported.
The Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, to which was referred
so much of the message of the President as related to the revision of the
commercial lawa for the purpose of protecting and fostering the manu-
factures of the United States, and also the petitions and memorials of
sundry manufacturers of bats, of cotton goods, of hemp into linen, of
shot, of woolen cloths and "of salt, made a report to the House (June
31). They say that in giving "manufactures the support necessary to
withstand foreign competition, skill, and capital, the committee had on
all occasions endeavored to avoid the danger of fastening on the com-
munity oppressive monopolies ;" and that, " A nation erects a solid basis
for the support and maintenance of its independence and prosperity,
whose policy is to draw from its native sources all articles of the first
necessity." The committee recommended additional duties on the fol-
lowing articles : on ready made clothing and millinery, on cotton manu-
factures from beyond the Cape of Good Hope, on bed ticking, and on
corduroys and fustians, two and one half per cent, ad valorem ; on shot
and other manufactures of lead, one and a half cents per pound ; on
salt eight cents per bushel.
The Hon. Richard Peters of Philadelphia, a zealous promoter of agri-
culture and the useful arts, communicated to the Philadelphia Society
for promoting Agriculture a plan for the establishment, under the pa-
tronage of the Society, of a manufactory, warehouse, and repository of
agricultural instruments and models^of which no general mannfactory
as yet existed. He argued that it would be a means of improving the
manufacture and would at once satisfy and increase the already pro-
digious demand for such implements.
Sales were about this time made in Boston of the first Cotton Duck
made in New England, if not in the world. Sail dueU of flax and cotton,
and cotton bagging, were already extensively made in Philadelphia and
in Kentucky. The cotton sail cloth was made by Seth Bemis, Esq., an
enterprising manufacturer of Watertown, and a pioneer in several
branches of manufacture, who in March employed a Mr. Douglass to
construct for him a twisting machine of forty-eight spindles, and, in
October, had six English weavers employed at fourteen cents per yard.
His first sales were at sixty-five cents per yard for number one, and fifty-
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140 COLUMBIAN AND ATHENIAN SOCIETIES — VINES. [1809
eight cents for number two. Enconraged by his success, he increased
the business during the next two years, employing as his selling agent
Capt. Winslow Lewis, who, by his energy, and the nse of the new article
upon his own ships, contributed to bring it into notice.
The " Columbian Agricultural Society for the Encouragement of
Raral and Domestic Economy," was organized (November 38), at
Union Tavern, Georgetown, D. C, for the purpose of encouraging home
manufaeturea and the rearing of domestic animals. The names of seventy
gentlemen of high respectability were reported as subscribere, and
Osborne Sprigg, Esq., of Prince Georges' county, Maryland, was
chosen president. In December following, the standing committee
appointed three premiums of $100, $80, and $60, respectively, for the
best " two toothed ram lambs," and premiums of ten to thirty dollars for
the best pieces of cotton fabrics suitable for men's coats or women's
dresses, fancy patterns for vests, pantaloons or small clothes, for cotton
counterpanes and stockings, and for hempen or flaxen sheetings, shirtings,
table linen, stockings, and twilled bagging of hemp, flax, or cotton.'
The Athenian Society of Baltimore was formed during this year, and
incorporated the next, for the establishment of a warehonse for the deposit
and sale of domestic manufactures. The stock was $30,000, in shares
of twenty Jollais each troods nereiecuved foi &ile on commission, from
individualfj or hr^e manufactoiies anl advances were made upon the
deposits of small manufactuieis The goods were disposed of on liberal
terms in t mannei ani with an object simdar to li ose of the Domestic
Society of Philadelph a The sales this year amounted to $17,G08, and
were much lutreased in the following yeais.'
In Washington county, Maryland, about eighteen small vineyards were
under cultivation with American grapes, from cuttings obtained from Mr.
Legaux at Spring Mill, near Philadelphia, and elsewhere. Each had
produced several barrels of wine, and the cultivation was prosecuted
with spirit, aided by several Swiss, Austrian, and other European vine-
The inflnence of the embargo in developing the internal r
manufactures of the Union, was adverted to in the President's message,
as well as in those of several of the governors to their respective Legis-
latures. President Madison observed, " In the cultivation of the mate-
rials and the extension of useful manufactures, more especially in the
general application to household fabrics, we behold a rapid diminution
of our dependence on foreign supplies. Nor is it unworthy of reflection
that this revolution in our pursuits and habits is in no slight degree a
(1) Aiiier. Register, cli. 7, p, IJl. (2} Kilos' Registei-, vol, I, p. 461, vol. 2, p. 3:^6.
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MESSAQE AND ADVIOB. 141
consequence of those impolitic and arbitrary edicts by whicli the contend-
ing nations, in endeavoring each of them to obstruct our trade with the
other, have so far abridged our means of procuring tho productions and
manufactures of which our own are now taking tlie place."
The Governor of Pennsylvania says, " In proportiun to tho difficulty
of access, to and commeree with, foreign nations, is the zeal and esertioa
to snpply our wants by hom« manufactures. Our mills and furnaces are
greatly multiplied ; new beds of ore have been discovered, and the in-
dustry and enterprise of our citizens are turning them to the most nseful
parposes. Many new and highly valaable manufactories have been
established, and we malie in Pennsylvania varions articles of domestic
use, for which, two years since, we were wholly dependent upon foreign
uations. We have lately had established in Philadelpfiia large shot
manufactories, floor cloth manufactories, and a queen's ware pottery
upon an extensive scale. These are all in successful operation, indepen-
dently of immense quantities of cotton, wool, hemp, flax, leather, and
iron, which are manufactured in our state, and which save oar country
the annual exjjort of millions of dollars."
Governor Stone, of North Carolina, observes, " If therefore the native
ingenuity and enterprise of our citizens can be properly aided, tliere can
exist no doubt but they will, by the manufacture of our own materials
into articles of necessity and convenience, soon render the state com-
pletely independent of supplies derived from foreign countries. The
advances already made, and hourly making in this respect, afford a con-
soling presage of relief from the violence and injusfice of the enemies of
our government. We were content, if permitted to do so, to advance in
the business of manufacture by the slow movements indicated and made
necessary by the ordinary increase of our numbers, and the protection
afforded by the duties necessary for the support of government. Bat the
injustice of the waiTing nations of the world has driven us from this
course, and our people find themselves now compelled to purchase foreign
manufactures, and to sell oar own surplus produce at prices induced by
an unjustly and unreasonably restricted commerce, or to make such of
these articles as their occasions require, for themselves. It therefore be-
comes one means of national defence, that the Legislature of onr improv-
ing state should foster her infant manufactures, and to this end nothing
can more favorably conduce than to facilitate the transportation of our
products by opening and improving onr roads, removing obstructions to
the navigation of our rivers, cutting canals, etc."
Governor Irwin, of Georgia, says, " While articles of foreign manufac-
ture, in consequeuee of their commotions, continue to rise in value and
demand in proportion to the great scarcity among us of circulating
,y Google
143 TUE OHEEOKEEB — HAaMONlSTS— SAILHOAD. [1809
spetie d cs it not bel ootb bs to encourige and cliensii eveiy mstitation
foi the jr mution of agriculttire ind domeat c n anufa,etuies Already,
a spinfc of pati oti'ira and entoipn e has n an fe ted it^olt generally and
oui citizen!, fciesee ng the evils which must re'iilt frsm toj great a
rehanee on aiticles of foreign manufacture aie ahakin;, off those fishion-
able fetters which hdd them in a state of servile dLpendence upsn other
nations and mik ng every e'^erlion to clothe ihomaelves n fain s of
then own Will jou not second their efforts and by renlering all the
aid m your power, give a spur to their landable pursuits ?"
The general statistics of tlie Cherokee nation iu Tennesee, communi-
cated to the Secretary of War by the Indian Agent, Eeturn J. Meigs,
showed thera to consist of 12,359 persons, exclusivo of slaves owned by
the chiefs, and of white people. Since the year 1196, they had acquired,
under the fostering care of government, property, esclusive of land,
valued at $511,500, including live stock to the value of $390,530, and
583 negro slaves, worth $174,900. Their progress in improvements and
useful arts was indicated by the construction, since 1803, of upward of
300 miles of wagon road, and the possession of thirteen grist mills,
valued at $260 each ; three saw mills, at $500 each ; thirty wagons, at
forty dollars each ; 1572 spinning wheels, 439 looms, 56T plows, two
saltpetre works (one of which, earned on at Nickajack by Col. Ore, made
in five years over 60,000 lbs. of saltpetre, most of which was used iu
making powder) ; one powder mill, forty-nine silversmiths, five schools,
and ninety-four children at school. They raised their own cotton and
iudigo, and made their own looms.
The Harmony Society, under Mr. Eapp, in Butler Co., Pa., this year
built a fulling mill, which did much business for the adjacent country ;
also a hemp mill, an oil mill, a grist mill, a brick warehouse forty-six
by thirty-sis feet, another brick building of same size, with an arched
cellar under the whole for a wine vault. A considerable quantity of
land was cleared, and in addition to many thousand bushels each of corn,
wheat, oats, rye, and potatoes raised, 4,000 lbs. of hemp and flax, fifty
gallons of sweet oil from white poppy, beer from 100 bushels of barley,
and spirits from 1,200 bushels of rye, were produced and much of the
product sold.
The subject of a railroad was this year agitated by Oliver Evans, who
endeavored to form a company, and proposed to invest his whole fortune
in the enterprise. Col. John Stevens, in New Tork, also proposed it in
the place of a canal, which at this time engaged public attention in that
state. Henry Meigs also advocated a railroad, but all were con-
sidered visionary speculatiats.
The number of turnpike companies in Sew Tork was sixty-seven,
,y Google
1809]
COTTON MILLS IS 1800. 143
with a capital stock of over $5,000,000, and the miies of road built were
3,011. The toll bridge companies were twenty-one, capital $415,000.
' The number of cotton mills erected before the close of this year was
at least eighty-seven, sixty-two of which {forty-eight water and foarteen
liorso mills) were in operation, and worked 31,000 spindles. The other
twenty-five would go into operation during the ensuing year, aud with
the increased machinery of the old ones, it was estimated wonld work
80,000 spindles at the commencement of 1811.
The mills were thus distributed, via. : in Maine, one at Waidoborough ;
in New Hampshire, two at New Ipswich, and four erecting in other towns ;
in Massachusetts, one at Dedhatn, one near Newburyport, and eight in
towns adjoining Rhode Island, in which five others were erecting ; in
Rhode Island, seventeen in Providence and vicinity, with seven more
erecting— and one in operation at East Greenwich ; in Connecticut, one
each at Pomfret, Stirling, New Haven, and Derby, and two erecting at
Killingly and Plainfield ; in Vermont, two, and two more building ; in
Kew York, one in "Washington Co., one at Hudson, one at Whitestown,
and one erecting in Washington Co., and two in Dutchess Co, ; in New
Jersey, one at Patterson, one at Belleville ; in Pennsylvania, two near
Philadelphia, one at Shippensburg, one at Fittsbarg, the last two horse
mills; in Delaware, one water and one horse mill near Wilmington; in
Maryland, two near Baltimore, and a horse mill in Washington Co., and
water mills erecting, one near Baltimore, and one at Fawtusent ; in Vir-
ginia, one at Petersburg. The following horse mills were in operation ;
one it Charleston, S. C. ; one at I.ouisville, Geo. ; one at Cincinnati,
Ohio ; six at different places in Kentucky, and one at Nashville, Tenn.
The seventeen mills in Providence and its vicinity, working 14,196
spindles, were estimated to have consumed, during this year, 640,000 lbs.
of cotton, and to have made 510,000 lbs. of yarn, which was sold as
thread, consumed in the manufactories, or used as wick, and in family
mannfaetores, or was exported. Eleven hundred looms were employed
in weaving the yam into goods, principally ticking at fifty-five to ninety
cents per yard; stripes and checks at thirty to forty-two cents ; ging-
hams at forty to fifty cents ; shirtings and sheetings at thirty-five to
seventy-five cents, and counterpanes at eight dollars each. The articles
were equal in appearance and superior in durability to English goods of
the same description.
The principal establishment in that vicinity, erected in 1806, employed
about ^6,000 in capital, and consumed about 40,000 lbs. of cotton
yearly.
Among the new mills established this year, fourteen were within thirty
mUes of Providence, with a capacity for 33,600 spindles, the largest of
,y Google
Hi COTTON MACHINEEY — GLASS — GUNPOWDBE. [1809
which was that of Butler and Whcaton at Mericlen, Massachusetts, to com-
mence with 10,000 spindles. The others were at Attleborough, North-
bridge, Meriden, and Swansea, Massachusetts, total capacity, includin^f
the first named, 13,000 apiadles ; two at Cranston, two at Sraithfield, one
at Scituate (3,500 spindles), oneat Johnston, and one at Coventry, U. I.,
with an aggregate of 1,600 spindles, and one at KjHingly and one at
Plainfiold, Connecticut, eacli 1,500 spindles. The whole number of
spindles in operation in this region was 20,406, of which 14,196 were in
Ehode Island, 4,820 in Massachusetts, and 1,390 in Connecticut,'
The cotton manufacture of Great Britain was estimated to employ
300,000 persons, and its annual value to amount to £30,000,000 sterling.
Of this product the United States had for a number of years taken a
greater value than the whole of continental Europe together. Parliament
Wiis year granted Dr. Cartwright £10,000 for his power loom, invented
in 178T.
A power loom was about this time projected by Dr. Josiah Richards,
while a student of medicine at Claremont, New Hampshire. He attempted
to put it in operation by water power at the Byfield cotton factory in
Massachusetts, bat failed, through some defect in the machinery.
A mamifactmy of cotton and woolen machinery was estaljiished in
Cincinnati about this time.
Two companies were incorporated in Massachusetts for the manufac-
ture of glass, one of which — the Boston Crown Glass Company com-
raenced in 1789. In New York the Madison and Woodstock Glass
Manufacturing Associations were also chartered. Two companies were
incorporated in New York for mannfactaring paints and other articles,
one of them on a large scale at West Farms, twelve miles from New
York. Charters were also granted in New York to the "Union Cotton
factory at Greenwich, Washington Co., and to the Pleasant Valley Man-
ufacturing Company, whose fa^!tory had a capacity for 3,500 spindles.
A large manufactory of gunpowder was about this time established
near Richmond, Va., by Brown, Page & Co. A suit was afterward
brought against the superintendent of the works by Dupont de Nemours
& Co., for purloining from their powder works, on the Brandywine,
certain machinery, valued by them at $10,000, on which the superiority
of their gunpowder was supposed in a great measure to depend. One
powder mill in that county (Henrico), according to the marshal's re-
turns the nezt year, made 60,000 pounds, or about one half of all that
was made in Virginia by flfty-thrse mills. James Tweddel had also a
powder manufactory on the Brandywine at this time, and Schott & Man-
deville were manufacturers, near Frankford, Pa.
(I) OiiUalin's Report aa Msnufiioturea in 1810, sce^os(.
,y Google
1809] LEATDER MANUIACTURK — PATEHTS IN 1S09. 145
The Hampsliire Leather 'Manufacturing Company was incorporated in
Masaachueetts, with a capital of $100,000, chiefly owned by raei-chanta
of Boston, who purchased the extensive tanneries of Col. William Ed-
wards and his associates, at Northampton, Cunnington, and Chester.
Tliese works had a capacity for 16,000 full grown hides, and employed
three bark mills (with atones), three hide mills, and three rolling ma-
chines, all carried by water, and copper cylinders for applying heat in
the extraction of the tannin. Most of the improvements were intro-
duced by Mr, Edwards, who still continued to conduct the operations,
receiving hides of the company on contract, at six cents per pound, and
paying them one half the profits for the nse of the establishment.
Letters patent were this year granted to four different persons for the
manufactnre of combs, viz. : to Moses Moss of Farmington, Conn.
(Jan. 10), and to Timothy Stanley of Soathington (July 6), for mann-
factnring hair combs ; to jSfat Jones of Southington (May 9), for mak-
ing wooden combs, and to Robert Gedney of New York (June 26), for
manufacturing combs from the hoofs of cattle; Samuel Green, New
London, Conn. (Feb. 15), making paper from seaweed, and Francis
Bailey, Salisbury, Pa. (July 31), for hot-pressing paper; Amos and
William Whitteraore, Cambridge, Mass. (Mai-nh 3), a renewal of patent
for making cotton and wool cards ; Jesse Eeed, Massachusetts (April
19), a wheel for catting and heading nails ; Mary Eies, Killingly, Conn.
(May 5), weaving straw with si!k or thread ; Ira Ives, Bristol, Conn.
(June 24), the striking part of a clock ; Thomas Kewell. Sheffield,
Mass. (July T), astronomical clocks; Samuel Goodwin (July 7), bal-
ance pendulum clocks; Lemael J. Kilborn, Pennsylvania (Oct. 12 and'
13), the striking part of a clock, and casting wheels for' clociis ; Oliver
Ames, Plymouth, Mass. (June 24), tuyere and water back ; N. Poster,
Flemingsburg, Ky. (June 28), spinning hemp and flax, and Jaeob Al-
ricks, Wilmington, Del, (Oct. 11), a spinning machine ; Jacob Perkins,
Boston (June 26), polishing and graining morocco ; Bnrgiss Allison,
Pennsylvania (July 6), distilling spirits from corn stalks ; Simeon Joce-
lyn, New Haven, Conn. (July 13), pruning shears— this was for the
useful article still employed for lopping the outer and upper branches
of trees by means of a pole and cord, &c., which, however, ia said to
have been previously in nse in Germany ; Abet Stowell, Worcester,
Mass. (July 19), cutting wood screws; Ezra L'Hommedieu, Saybrook,
Conn. (July 31), double-podded screw auger. The patentee informed
the Secretary of the Treasury in November, that he made his own wire,
from-which a man and two boys could make per day three hundred
weight of assorted screws superior to the imported, and it was thought
the United States would soon be supplied by his cheap and simple pro-
10
,y Google
146 TOEPEDOES — GALLATIN'S KEPORT ON MANUFACTURES. [I8lO
cess. Daniel i'rencli, New York (Oct. 12), patented a steam engine for
boats, mills, &c., with vibrating cjliacler. Under tliis patent several of
the first boats on the Ohio were built and supplied with engines by the
patentee. Joseph Coppinger, Beanfort, S. C, received (Nov. 21) a pa-
tent for distilling in cast-iron atilla ; Peregrine Williamson, Baltimore,
Md. (Nov. 22), metallic writing pens, the earliest mention wo have seen
of snch pens ; Samuel Ellis, New Bedford, Mass. (Nov. 29), geometrical
writing plates ; George Huling, Shaftesbury, Vt, (Nov. 24), circular
saw mill ; William Rnssell, New Bedford (Dec. 1), mariners' compass.
During this year, also, nineteen patents were talien out for washing
machines, simple and combined, for which duringthe previous two years
about the same number were received. Between 1197, when the first one
was issued, and 1851, about three hundred and thirty' were obtained.
Congress appropriated $5,000 for the purpose of testing the practical
value of torpedoes or submarine explosives, proposed by Robert Fulton,
as a means of harbor defence. The Commissioners appointed for that
purpose did not agree in their reports of the experiments.
In obedience to the resolution of the House, of 1th June, 1809,
Mr. Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasuiy, submitted to the house a report
in part on the subject of Manufactures. The report, though ad-
^"^ mitted to bo in general ineomplete and defective, contained much
important information, which the approaching census, it was suggested,
might affoi-d an opportunity to render more detailed and accurate.
The following manufactures were ascertained to be carried on to an
extent which might be considered adequate to the consumption of the
United States, as the value of their products, annually exported, ex-
ceeded that of the foreign articles of the same general class annually
imported, viz, : Manufactures of wood, or of which wood is the principal
material, leatJier, and manufactures of leather, soap and tallow can-
dles, spermaceti oil and candles, flaxseed oil, refined sugar^ coarse
earthenware, snuff, chocolate, hair powder, and mustard.
The following branches were firmly established, supplying in several
instances the greater, and in all, a considerable part of the consumption
of the United States, viz. : Iron, and manufactures of iron; maimfao-
tnres of cotton, wool, and flax ; hats ; paper, printing types, printed
books, and playing cards; spirituous and malt liquors; several manu-
factures of hemp; gunpowder; window glass; "jewelry and clocks; seve-
ral manufactures of lead ; straw bonnets and hats ; wax candles.
Progress had also been made in the following branches, viz. : Paints
and colors ; several preparations and medicinal drugs ; salt ; manufac-
,y Google
l.S:0"| W«OD AND LEATHEB — SOAI" AND CANDLES. lit
tme? of eopjcr and brans ja]auned anl pht 1 wire cihco [imtiDg;
queens ini othei ea then ani glass waie iuc
Man) artiUes i>spccting wbich no ifoiraatioa had beea received,
iveie ui doabtedly omttel and the substance of the luformatioi ob-
tained on the most important Inant-he wis (ompiehended unier tha
folic win^ heids
Wood and Manufactukbs op Wcod were all earned to a high
degiee of perfeLtion and supplied the whole demand of the United
States rhej consisted prineipaily of cabinet ware ind othei household
furiitnie ecaches and carnage's and ship building of which last the
average annual tonnage of ve sels above twenty to 19 built from 1801 to
1807, was 110,000, The annaal exportation of furniture and caniagea
■was $110,000. The yaluo of the whole, including ship building, could
cot be less than $30,000,000 a year. Of pot and pearl ashes, 1,400
tons were exported annually.
Leather and Manufactukes of Leather. — Tanneries everywhere
existed, some of them on a large scale ; one establishment employing &
capital of $100,000. One third of the hides used in the great tanneries
of the Atlantic states were imported from South America, and cost flve-
and-a-li^lf cents a pound, while in England they cost seven cents. The
bark to tan tbera cost in England nearly as much as the hides, but in
America not one tenth as much. Some superior, or particular kinds of
English leather and morocco, were imported, but 350,000 ponads of
American leather were annually exported. Some of the American leather
was of inferior quality, bat it was generally better made in the Middle
than in the Northern or Southern States. The tanneries of Delaware
employed a capital of $120,000 and ninety workmen, and made annually
$100,000 worth of leather. Those of Baltimore numbeied twenty-two,
of which scTenteen had together a capital of $187 000, and tanned
annually 19,000 hides, and 25,000 calf skins. Morocco leather was
made in several places from sheep and imported goat skins, and deer
skins — an article of export — were dressed and manufactured in safEcient
quantity for the country.
The manufactnres of leather were boots and shoes, harness and sad-
dlery. The average importation of boots was 3,250 pairs, and of shoes
59,000 paii-s, principally kid and morocco, and the exports of Amen cau
boots S,500, and of shoes 131,000 pairs The shoe manufactut es. of
New Jersey were extensive. Those of Lynn Mas=i , produced 100 000
pairs of women's shoes annually. The ■vJlue of all aiticles of leather
was estimated at $20,000,000 annually
Soap and Tallow Candles were principally a family manufacture
There were also several extensive manulaitone' ]u all the large citie%
i.Google
148 SUGAR — COTTON — 'WOOL — FLAX. [1810
and in other places, Tliose of Rosbury, near Boston, alone employed
n capital of $100,000, and made annually 310,000 lbs. of candles, and
880,000 lbs, of brown soap, and 50,000 lbs. of Windsor and fancy soap,
with a profit, it was said, of fifteen per cent, on the capital. The im-
portations were 158,000 lbs. of candles and 410,000 lbs. of soap, and
the exports of domestic candles 1,195,000 lbs., and of soap 2,220,000
lbs. The total vaiue of the manufacture, including the household, was
at least $8,000,000.
Spehmaceti Oil and Gambles. — Establishments existed at Kantucket
and 'Nevf B If d Ma and Hudson, N. T., which furnished for ex-
portation a su 1 la f 30,000 lbs. candles, and 44,000 gallons of oil.
Value of the m n f ta e about $300,000, but the exclusion from foreign
markets had lat ly aft ted it unfavorably.
Refined isu ab — The quantity annually made was estimated at
5,000,000 lb.., worth ^1,000,000— the capital at $3,500,000. Some
establishments had declined in business with the increase in their number.
A renewal of the drawback of the duty on brown sugar was desirable,
and had been the subject of a special report to the Committee of Com-
merce and Mannfactnies.
Cotton, Wool, and Flax. — I. Spinning Mills and Manufacturing
establishments — Fifteen cotton mills were erected (in New England)
before the year 1308 workmg at that time almost 8,000 spindles, and
producing about 300 000 lbs of yarn a year. Returns had been re-
ceived of eighty fcven mills erected at the end of the year 1809, sixty-
two of which were in operation and worked 31,000 spindles.' The
capital required to cairy them on to the best advantage, was estimated at
the rite of flOO for each spindle including fixed capital, expenses, and
all contmgencies Only about $G0 per 'ipindle was actually employed.
Ihe iverage consnmption of cotton wai absat forty-five pounds, worth
twentj Lents per pound per spindle and the produce about thirty-six
pounds of yarn of different qualities worth on an average $1.12^ per
pound Eight hundied spindles employed forty persons, 7iz. : five men,
and thuty hve women and children On these data it was estimated
that the eighty seven mills including the twenty hvo new ones to go
into operation tliis year and the increased machinery of the old ones,
would in 1811 produce the following results, viz eighty-seven mills
would employ a capital of $4 800 000 and use 3,600,000 lbs. of cotton,
worth $120 000 They would spin 3 880,000 lbs. of yarn, worth
$3,340,000, and employ oOO men and 3,500 women and children, or 4,000
hands.
(1} See the detnila under this head, A. D., ISOS.
,y Google
1810] GALLATIN'S KEPOHT— COTTON, WOOL, AND FLAX. Ii9
The increase of carding and spianing of cotton in regular establish-
ments had therefore been fourfold in two years, and would be tenfold
in three years. The pnncipal establishments were in Rhode Island, and
within thivty miles of Providence,' and their manufactures were chiefly
bed-ticking, stripes and checks, ginghams, cloth for shirts and sheeting,
and counterpanes. The same articles were manufactured iu several
other places, particularly at Philadelphia, where were also made, from
the same material, webbing and coach laces (which had excluded, or
would soon exclude the foreign articles), table, and other diaper cloth,
jeans, vest patterns, cotton kerseymeres, and blankets. The manufac-
ture of fustians, cords, and velvets, had also been commenced iu the
interior and western parts of Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
Some of the mills also carded and spun wool to a small extent, bat
that was chiefly done in private families and woolen factories.
Some information had been received respecting fourteen of these,^
manufacturing each on the average, ten thousand yards of cloth yearly,
worth from one to ten dollars a yard. Others ware believed to exist,
and it was known that there were several on a smaller scile in Phihdel
pl B It m d th pi
An th I th w 11 th e
m d f m 1 w g llj
[ 1 1 ty th ugl &omewiiU
f pp t mj t i
1 1 f th p ri
il 1 b t 1 t th t f til 1 I h tl t f
1* 1 h 1 1 11 d fi t 1
t ty 1 q 1 ty tl gh d ly la
p g th gh th t d t
d g 1 tt t t m d
th p b d f h I
d by th g t d m d f
W I
E t 11 h t f I g 1
w Fl fw 0 th
St t f N w T k mtl J d
I t I f $18 000 d t ty
P d , 1 Ilj
b t%J00 1b ffl t
a d th I I f m t
1 lb d ft tl
ty f»l 1 Mph f 1 h
p d d lly 2 000 y 1 f
m d f a d tt
th th th fl b tl h kl d
(1) Sse the details under tbia head, A. D.,
1809,
atolod) was from three to twenty tbqnaand-
(2) A WDolen raiU was eBteWished ot eaoh
doll.ire each ; the nnmber of hands from
of the following pUoea : Now Ipawioh, N, H. ;
eight to twonty-nine, and tho product from
Bjafield, Mass. ; Wntwiok nnd Portsmonth,
6,000 to 2r,0OD yards annuaily. Those .at
keapaia, S. T.; two on ma Brandywine,
the Brandywino, used merino wool, and made
Del. ; two at BoltimorB and Blktoo, ani one
at Frederiak, Md.; three (and Enndry
flmallor ones) at Philadelphia, and one
eotton} was made ia Philadelphia.
i.Google
150
MANTJFACTUaE OT WOOLESS.
[1810
and spun by maehlnery ; thirty looms were employed, and it was said
500,000 yards of cottoa bagging, sail-cloth and coarse linen might be
made annually.
Hosiery was almost exclusively a hoJisehoId manufacture. That of
Germantown bad declined, and it had not been elsewhere attempted on a
large scale. There were some exceptions ; Martha's Vineyard exported
annnallj 9,000 pairs of stockings.
II. Household Manu/aciures. — By far the greater part of the cotton,
flax and wool was manufactured in private families for their own
use and for sale. The articles were principally coai-se cloth flannel,
cotton stuffs and stripes of every description, linen and mixtures of wool
a,nd cotton. Information from every state, and more than sixty different
places, showed an extraordinary increase in the last two years and ren-
dered it probable that about two thirds of the cloth, including hosiery,
houBe and table linen, used by the inhabitants outside of the cities, was
the product of family mannfactures. In the Eastern and Middle States,
carding machines carried by water were every where established and
others were extended southwardly and westwardly. Jennies and other
spinning machines, and flying shuttles, were introduced in many places,
and fulling mills sulScient for furnisJiing all the family mnnufactures.^
(1) In Delaware 150,000 Ihs. nf nool noro
annuBllyBpun oiid wuve in piii-nterauiilies.
Lnrge EXpartndons uf liaea nersmnde from
the nestoru counties of PennsTlrnnin, and
some fi'Om Kentuokj and eeveral plaoes in
the Eastern and Middle Stntes. In 1809,
eishty ihonsand yards Kore brunght to
Pittsburg nlane, far snle, and llie luoms in
that tnnn had incrEaeed since 1307 from
Berenteen to fortj-fonr. In the lower ooun-
ties of Virginia, Horth Carolina generally,
and tbeuppercDUQties of SoDth Carolina and
GeoTgi
, nlmostthei
dotbing
eauh, and carded for Boven eonts per pound.
Every furm houae had ouo »r more wheels,
and ovary second bouse at least a loom for
weaving linen, cotton and coareo woolen'
cloths, which was done hy the Vomsn.
From 100 to 600 yards of dloih were thns
made yearly on an average in each family,
witboutanhour'sloss of farm labor. Flaxen
cloth worth fifteen to twenty oenta a yard,
was sold to country traders, who sent it ta
thoSoBthernStatesataproat; There were
It 140 ft
ing mills i
Na«
of all claeeos was of household mannfac
tare, and the slaves were entirely clothed
in tbat manner. The scarcity of wool aiona
prevented the winter clothing being made
in the same nay. Stores for the sale of for-
eign goods in Matthews County, Vn., had de>
creased since 1SI>2, from fifteen to one. And
of 1500 persons attending a militia review
in North Carolina, less than forty wore any
thing but hotaeapiat.
Id Hew Hampshire nearly every township
of 200 or 300 families had a carding and
fulling mill. Tlie former cost aliout $600
3OOEtwa9Sl,500. They
received, for dressing about 8.700 yards each,
on an average, $1,235, of which tOOO naa
for labor and materials. The cost of maun,
facturing eighteen pounds of wool into
twenty yards of cloth, was about 121.24 (or
106 cents per yard of three.qnarteis wide).
It was finer than English clolh of sii-
quartera, which sold in the stores for $.1.50
per yard, and was more durable. In Ver-
mont were- 163 fulling miHs, and 1,040,000
yards of clolh and flannel, and 1,315,000
yards of cotton aud flax wars woven in
i.Google
1810] OALI-ATIN'e EErOKT — WIILE CARDS — HATS. 151
The value of all the goods made annually of cotton, wool and flax,
was estimated to exceed forty millions of dollars.
Connected with this subject was the manufacture of cards and wire.
Whittemore's card maohine had completely excluded foreign cards, Tlie
capital employed in that braach was estimated at $300,000, and the
annual consamption amounted, until lately, to 30,000 dozen pairs of hand
cards and 20,000 square feet of cards for machines, worth together about
$300,000. The demand in 1809 was double that of 1808, and was still
increasing. The wire was imported, and serious inconvenience would
attend a stoppage of the supply, althongh the manufacture might and
would be immediately established to supply all demands if the same duty
were laid on wire, now free, as on other articles of the same material
The annual consumption of wire for cards did not exceed twenty-five
tons, worth $iO,000.^
Hats. — The annual importations were $350,000, the exportation
of domestic hats |100,000, and the manufacture therefore nearly equal
to the consumption. The hat company of Boston estimated the manu-
facture Id Massaehnsetts at fonr times the nnmber required for the state.
It otherwise appeared that a capital of near three millions was applied
to the business in that state and the number of hats made was 1,550 000
of which 1,150,000 were ine hats, worth four dollars each, and 400,000
Mt hats worth one dollar each. That it was profitable appeared from a
late establishment on Charles river calculated to make annually 35,000
hats, at five dollara apiece, and to employ 150 men. In Rhode Island
50,000 hats, worth five dollars each, were made, exclusive of felts. New
York and Connecticut manufactured more than they consumed, the
largest factory being at Danbary, where 200 persons were employed,
making hats to the value of |13O,O0O. Vermont supplied its own
consumption, and in Philadelphia 93,000 hats, worth five dollars, were
annually made, in addition to 50,008 country hats, worth three doUai's
(1) CoiniiiniunioationB from Wm. Whitte- Cliamplain iroa tna fouad equal or supe-
moro of Camhtidge, and Abel StoWBll of rior for wire to any imported. Tha mann-
WorCMtar, aooompBniadtbe report. A. and faotnre of iron and brass wire had been fra-
W. 'Whittaniore had fifty.flve of thsir patent
oard making maahiaes (the patent for which
baA been raoenUy renewBd for fonrteen
years). Of those thirty-seven nero in lua,
aad, with the apparatus to oarrj on the
business, eost them about $10,000. Tho
only importod article used n-aa tha wire,
and that eould be mftde as good and nearly
as cheap here as in England. The Lake
quautly attempted with :
success, but hod
been abandoned on acoour
It of the free ad-
mission of foreign wire.
A duty on wire
B of iron would
cause, it was believed, a
considerable in-
Tostment in its manufaatur
e, and produce an
adeqwala supply for cards.
screws, and other
uses.— Soo Patents ISOB.
i.Google
152 PAPEa AND PRINTlNGi—HEMP— IIQUOKB. [1810
each. In many places wool for coarse hats was scarce. Tlie ' annual
■value of hats made was near ten millions of dollars."
Papek and Pkinting.— Some foreign paper was still imported, bnt
the consumption was eliiefly of an American mannfactnre, which, if
proper attention was paid to the preservation of rags, would supply the
demand. Paper mills were erected in every part of the Union. There
were twenty-one in the States of New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode
Island, and Delaware alone, and ten in only five counties of New York
and Maryland. Eleven of the mills had a capital of $200,000 and 180
workmen, and made annually $150,000 worth of paper.
Printing was done equal to the demand. In addition to newspapers,
a large item, all books for which there were sufficient purchasers, were
printed in the United States. The manufacture of htmging papers and
playing cards was also extensive, and that of printing types, of which
there were two establishments, the principal one at Philadelphia, was
equal to the demand, but had lately been afftcted by the want of regulus
of antimony.
Manuiactures of Hemp —Annual importition of foreign hemp 6 200
tons In Ma^achusetts Nen loik kentnckj and se^eial other places,
its cnltvation had been Qieally promoted bj the ii tf,iiuptloa of com-
merce and woull soon it wis believed pioduce a sufliLieiio
The manufactme of ropts cables and coidage \ s equal to the de-
mand Csclusiie of those in the seaporf^ thi, lopeivalks in Kentucky
alone weie fifteen c i summg about 1000 tons of htmp annually and
S11 new woik'! neie prepaitd for operation the piescj t \eai Minuf'w
tures of sail dnck formeily established in Rliode Ibhnl ai 1 Connecticut
and at Salem weie abiudoned or su peuded by the hi^h puce of hemp
and want of capitil home was still made an 1 the i^pec et. of canvas
called cotton bagging n is mannfactuied in sexeial pHces extensively
An estabhbhment it Philadelphia employed eight looms and could
m-ike annually 1 000 jards of duck oi 45 000 of cotton bagging There
were thiiteen manufictones m Kentucky and two in West Tennessee,
The five at or near Lex ngtou mide anuuaily 250 000 yai la of duck ind
cotton 1 agging
SpiRiTuotrs A^D M4.lt Lic^ifiii^— The spints distilled in 1801 from
(1) a manufactory of bats at Albany era- seven dollars wua S1.06i, on napped hats of
■■■■■' " ilitj at five doUars 81-93, and of
quality at fonr dollare $1.16, nnd
ory of bats a
tAlbai
ly era-
i of SS
1,000,
and 1
^nenly
a 1,600
hats
worth
seven
tbre.
t doUa.
■s, and
dollar
each:
total,
, 6,400
aproDt.
Qffifl.
sen to t
twenty
let profi
t on
fine h
als at
i.Google
1810} Gallatin's repoet — ^iron manufactubbs. 153
grain and fruit (exclusive of the large gin diatillerios in cities), was esti-
mated at nine millions of gallons, and at this time at twelve millions, to
which were to be added about three millions of gallons of gin and mm
distilled in cities, making an aggregate of fifteen millions of gallons.
Poreiga spirits were however largely imported, and in 1806 and 180T
amounted to $9,150,000 a year, yielding a revenue of $2,865,000.
The annual importation of foreign malt liquors amounted to 185,000
gallons, aud the exportations of American beer and cider to 181,000.
The amount actually made could not be stated, but the breweries of
PhiladelpMa were said to consume annnallj 150,000 bushels of malt,
exclusive of numerous small establish meuts throughout the city. Exten-
sive breweries existed in New York and Baltimore. The aggi-egate
value of spirituous and malt liqaors made could not bo set down at less
than ten millions,
Ikom and Manufactures op Iron. — The information received in this
branch was imperfect. Iron ore was abundant, and numerous furnaces
and forges supplied a sufficient qaantity of hollow-ware and castings ;
but about 4,500 tons of bar iron were annually imported from Eussia, and
probably as much from Sweden and England together. The amount of
bar iron used in the United States was vagaely stated at 500,000 tons,
which would leave about iO,000 as American manufacture. Although
the ore of Vermont, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, was of supe-
rior quality, and much of the iron made there equal to any imported,
yet on account of the demand and want of attention, much inferior iron
came to market, which made the want of Eussia iron to be felt in some
of the slitting and rolling mills. A reduction of the duty on Eussia
iron was asked for by several, but generally a high and prohibitory duty
on English bar, slit, rolled, and sheet iron, was considered beneficial,
that usually imported on account of its cheapness being made with pit
coal and of an inferior quality. The manufacture of sheet, slit and hoop
iron amounted to 5(15 tons annually, and the quantity rolled and slit in
the "United States was estimated at 1,000 tons. In Massachusetts alone,
were thirteen rolling and slitting mills, in which about 3,500 tons of bar
iron, chiefly Eussian, were rolled or slit. A portion was for sheet iron
and rods for wrought nails, but two-thirds of the whole quantity flat-
tened by machinery in the United States was used in the manufacture of
cut nails, which had extended throughout the whole country, and being
altogether an American invention, substituting machinery to manual
labor, deserved particular notice.'
,y Google
154 OUT AND WROUGHT HAILS — STEEL, HARDWAEE, ETO. [1810
The atinnal product of that branch alone might be estimated at
$1,300,000, and the expense of cut nails, exelnsiye of the saring of fuel,
wts not one third that of forging wrought nails About 280 tons were
alietdy annnillj exported but the United States still impoited more
thiu 1500 tuna oi wrought nails and spike's on which an increase of
duty with a drawback on cut nails exported nas generally asked
C( nsiderable Uisteied and some refined stoel was mide bat 11 000
cwt weie annuilly impoited The manufai tuieb of iion v>ere piinci
pally agricultural implements wd the usual blat,kt.miths woik To these
were to be added anchors shovels and spade*; axes scytheo and other
edge tools saws bit& and stirraps and a great variety of coaiaer iron
moUgPry, lut catlery and all the finer haidware and steel woik nere
almost entuely imported fiom Great Biitain Balls shdls and cannon
of small cilibre were cast m severil places and three foundues for cist
ing solid those of largest calibre, with the proper machinery for boring
and finishing them, were established at Cecil Conntj, Md., near the city
of Washington, and at Richmond, Ya. ; each of the two last could cast
800 pieces of artillery a year, and a great number of iron and brass
cannon were made at the one near Washington. Those of Philadelphia
aud near the HndsoD were not then employed. Several iron foundries
made every kind of machine castings. The one at Philadelphia manu-
factured steam engines.
At the public armories of Springfield and Harper's Ferry, 19,000
pit. diawb Thqlyfttk tin Englonil bj Josepb C. Dyer of
In tldtob mh p dBt then tesideat as a. merchant in
B Ihin ! w J d was far p L d for the nnU-outting maohmBry in-
to yEglh 1 ptfid and Masaaohnsotts. Tlio card- making
ir ght 1 htliptb dmbryuf that slate wna patouted in
p g f E m t g t tb f E g1 d by tbo same person the next year.
I th w p tb raait t t Th p inoipal buainesa of the rolling and
00 t dbg was I want! g t t 1 tt g miUa naa the making of nail plates
mpl t Th q t ty f J d d for Rrongbt nails, hoops, tires,
d b d m d i Maa h tl w h 6 n and sheet oopper. The mills in
matad by a principal mannfaoturec to hai e MaasaolmsBtts wore situated as follows : one
averaged during tbe last three years 2,000 at Dover owned by the Boston Iron and
tons, of wliich 1,YOO tons were cut and Uie Nail Factory, composed of J. and S. Welles
residue hammered. Tbe petfeetion attained and R. Whiting; one at Plymonth by S.
in nail-ontting mocbinery at this time bad Spoar, W, Davia, and N. Euasell ; one ench
by no means been reached without many at Dover, Beverly, and Amesbnry, all inoor-
signal failures ; and tlie coat of bringing it porated, and owned in part by Win. and S.
to this stale, when a machine would out Gray, and Osgood; one at Newton, by B.
puied nt more than, one million of dollars. Norton! tlireo at Tannton, by Leonard &
The report of Mr. Gallatin was inatru. Crocherand others; and two atBridgewater.
mental in mating Its value better known to They rolled about 3,500 tons anunally, but
tbe public. During this year a patent was could mate 7,000 tons.
i.Google
1810] GALtATIN'S KEPOKT — COPPER AND BEASS, iEiD, ETC. 155
rausketa w m d lly ai d b t 20 000 more at several factories,
of which th m t p f t w th t New Haven, all prirate eatab-
lishmente jt th t t R Im 1 t d by the State of Virginia.
These did I ] g m tl mpl j d in making rifles and other
arms. S 1 d p t 1 ml veral places.
The Tal f Itl m f of iron produced, was believed
to be from t I fit 11 f d II rs yearly. The importations,
including b d II m f t f ron and steel, wefe estimated
at near fo m 11
CoppEa AND BfiAss.— Rich copper mines were found id New Jersey,
in Virginia, and near Lake Superior, but were not wrought. The princi-
pal mannfaeturea of copper were stills and other vessels, but copper in
sheets and bolta was almost wholly imported, the only manufactory
for that object, which was at Boston, not receiving sufEcient encourage-
ment, although $25,000 had been invested in a rolling mill and other
apparatus. The reason was that these articles were imported free of dnty,
and the owners were principally employed in casting bells and other
articles. Zinc had lately been discovered in Pennsylvania, and there
were a few manufacturers of metal hnttons and brass wares.
MANUEAOTuaEs OF Lead.— Lead was found in Virginia and some
other places, but the richest mines were ia Upper Louisiana, and also, it
was said, in the adjacent country east of the Mississippi. They did not
yet furnish, after supplying the western conntry, over 200 tons annually
to the Atlantic states.
The importations of red and white lead were 1,150 tons annually ; of
lead itself and other manafactnrea, 1,225 tons. The principal American
manufactures were those of shot and colors of lead. Of the fir^t, two
establishments ou a large scale existed at Philadelplda, and another in
Louisiana, which were more than sufBcient to supply the whole demand,
stated at 60O tons a year. Of red and white lead, htharge, and some
Other preparations of that metal, 560 tons were made in Pliiladelphia
alone. The manufacturers asked a repeal of the duty of one cent per
pound on lead, and an equalization of that on its manufactures, by
charging all with the two cents per pound laid on white and red lead.
Varions other paints and colors wore m.ide in Philadelphia and elsewhere.
Tin, Japakked, and Plated Wares.— Tin-ware was extensively
made, and Connecticut supplied nearly the whole rnited States with it,
but the sheets were always imported. Plated-ware, principally for coach-
makers and saddiers, employed seventy-three workmen at Philadelphia,
where over $100,000 worth was made annually. Similar establishments
existed at New York, Baltimore, Boston, and Charleston.
Gunpowder. — Saltpetre was found in Virginia and Kentucky, and
,y Google
156 EARTHBNWAEE AND OLABH — CHEMI0AL8 — SALT. [1810
80010 otter of the "Western St t d T itoriea, but principally camo
from the East Indies. Tlie m f t t gunpowder was nearly, and
could at any time be made q t q 1 1 the consumption ; the importa-
tion of foreign powder bein ly 00 000 lbs., and the exportation of
American powder 100,OOC lb ilj The manufactory on the
Brandywine, which employed p t 1 f fYS.OOO and thirty-sis work
men, and was considered th m t| f t made alone 335,000 lbs. annu-
ally, and itfight make 600,000 II f th vere a demand for it. Two
others near Baltimore had a j t 1 f $100 000, and made 450,000 lbs.,
of a quality said to ))e equal t j t d. There were several other
powder mills ia Pennaylva \ tl places, but the total amount
manufactnred was not ascert d
Earthen and Gj.asssw r — S Sx t pottery of the coarsor kinds
was made everywhere, and nf rm t hi been received of four manu-
factories of a finer k nd lat ly t bh i d One in Philadelphia, with
a capital of $11,000 manuf t d p es similar to that made in
Staffordshire, Englanl and tt tl Chester Co., Pa,, ia New
Jersey, and on the Oh o m d k 1 of queensware.
Information had b c d f t gl ss manufactories, which em-
ployed abont 140 glass blowers, an 1 made annually 21,000 boxes of win-
dow glass of 1 00 square feet each j that of Boston made crown glass equal
to any imported, all the others green or German glass, worth fifteen per
cent, less; that of Pittsburg used coal, and the others wood for fuel.
The importations of window glass were 3T,000 boxes, the extension
of the domestic manufacture, which supplied precisely one half the con-
sumption, being prevented by want of workmen. Some green bottles and
other ware were made, and two works, employing together six glasa
blowers, had lately been erected at Pittsburg, and made decanters, tum-
blers, and every other description of flint glass of a superior quality.
Chemical Pkepaeations.— Copper was extracted in large quantities
from pyrites in Vermont, New Jersey, and Tennessee. About 200,000
lbs. of oil of vitriol and acids were annually manufactured ia a single
establishment at Philadelphia. Various descriptions of drugs wero
also made there, and in some other places ; and the annual amount ex-
ported exceeded |30,000 in value.
Salt. — The salt springs in Onondaga and Caynga, in New York,
furnished about 300,000 bushels a year, and it eonld be increased with
the demand. Those of tho Western States and Territories supplied about
an equal quantity — the Wabash Saline, belonging to the tlnited States,
making ahout 130,000 bushels. Valuable discoveries had also been
made on the banliS of the Kanahwa. But the annual importation of
foreign salt wa'^ more than 3,000,000 bushels, and could not be snper-
,y Google
1810] GAIXATIN'b REPOBS — GENERAL EEMAEKS. 15T
eeded by American salt, unless it were made along the sea coast, Tho
works of Masaachusetta were declining, and could not proceed unless the
duty on foreign salt was again laid. It was necessary to shelter the
works from the heavy summer rains by light roofs, moving on rollers,
which considerably increased the expense. The erection of 10,000
superficial square feet cost $1,000, and produced only 200 bushels a year.
A more favorable result was expected on the coast of North Carolina,
on account of the climate, and works, covering 275,000 square feet, had
lately been erected.
MlsOELLANEOua — Of the other manufactures previously enumerated,
Information had been received of two only.
Straw bonnets and hats were made witii great success. A small dis-
trict in Rhode Island and Massachusetts exported to other parts of the
Union to the amount of $250,000.*
Several attempts had been made to print calicoes, but the manufactu-
rers did not seem able, without additional duties, to withstand foreign
competition. Their diiSciiIties were stated in the petition of the calico
printers of Philadelphia, to Congress. Considerable capital was in-
vested in an establishment near Baltimore, which could print 12,000 yards
a week, and might considerably extend it if tlie profits and demand
afforded sufficient encouragement
Erom the information received, the Secretary was able with certainty
to infer that the annual product of American manufactures exceeded
$120,000,000. The raw materials, provisions, and other articles con-
sumed by the manufacturers, probably created a home market for agricul-
tural products, not very inferior to that which arose from foreign demand,
a result more favorable than might have been expected from a view of
the natural causes which impeded the introduction and progress of ma-
nufactures in the United States.
The most prominent of those causes weie the abundance of land com-
pared with population, the high price of hbc r and the want of sufficient
(apital. The superior attractions of agiicultuial pursnits, the great
extension of American commerce duiing the late Buiopean war, and
the continuance of habits after the causes whiLh produced them had ceased
to exist, might also be enumerated. Several of these obstacles bad,
(1) This iiuaineaa waa ooramenccd in
1801 at Wrenlham, Maas., (where it
amounted to $100,000 at looat), and other
towns iQ Norfolk county wera ealimafed to been oommenoad in other parts of the State.
make tm eqanl HQioant. Wrentham, Branb- They were exported lo all the principal
liD, Medway, Medfield, BUliDgham, Wal- citloa, and to the Weal Indies,
pola, Sharon, and Foibnrg, were the pria-
Ipal places nliero
;t>ins Fiu
oma fowna in Brlat
■ ol and Wo
icG also Toado coi
usiderablc.
i.Googie
158 GALIATIN'S RErOET, ['8JC
howeiei leenitmovei] rr lessened Thp chcapne s Df pi ri jn !al
alway? to a cert^n extent counterbalanced the high pnce of luaDuil
labor and that was now in many important brannheB neirly saper'^f ded by
the intiodnction of michinery ' A gieat \raeiicin caj ital h id been af
quired daiing the last twenty years and the in]Qiioas vijhtuns of the
neutral commerce of the United States by fur ing indastry and capital
into other channels hid broken mveteiate hihiti ind given fhit general
impulse to which must be a&ciibed the great increase of manafactnies
dunng the last tn o rears
The incidental support derived from duties on impoitationa the ex
eraption fiora oppies^ive tases and from those sjstemi of mternil
reatrictuna and monopohes which impeded the freedom of labor iii
other conntiies had aho piomoted the geneiil prosperity oi the TTaited
State' ita agncultuie commeice and manufictuies and must give them
a decided superiority over those less faiored in that lespect The only
powerful obstacle to the success of Ameiican minnfartures was the
vastly superior eipital of the fiist manufactiinng nation of Pnrope
which enabled hei merctiants t) give long cieditb to sell < n small pro
fits, and to make occasional sacufices the mfoimation obfa ned was
not safficiLflt to enable the Secretary to s«l mit la conform ty with the
resolution of the House a plan bet calculated to protect and promote
American manufacture'! The mcst obvions means «cie bonnties in
creased duties on importations, and loans by government
Occasional yiemiums might be beneficial but a genei il system of
bonnties was moie applicable to iiticles expoited thin to those manu
faotuied for home cjnsnmption The system of dntiea might he equal
ized and imposed to piotect some species of m'lnntactnre without
affect ng the levenne Prohibitoiy duties destioyed competition taxed
the connnmer and diverted capital and industry into channels less pro
fitable to the nation thin those ^ihich individual inteiest could seek
A moderate increase was less dangerons and if adopted should be
continued dunng a certain peiiod , for the repeal of a duty once laid
mateinllj uijuied tho e who lelied on its permanency ai had been es
emplihed in the salt maunfactaie As cai ital was the ch ef need which
bank extension only partially supplied, and for short periods, the United
States might create a circulating stock, bearing a low rate of interest,
and lend it at par to mannfacturers, on principles similar to that formerly
Q of mannal labor in jenlousy of spinners, weavers, and other
■BofGroatBritaln.by opsratires, was fteqnant]y manifested by
, was abont this time riot and tIeitrDCtioa of oiacIiiDery.
iiudred tn one. The
,y Google
1810] CENSUS ACT — THE EETUENS DEFECTIVE. 15!)
tw ty m 11 m ^ht b th 1 t tl t til d w th t
J y t y p t f tl ty
I f m tj w th t! mm 1 t t d tl f g
ptCg paadMjl dmtttl tj Ig
f th tak g f tl tl 1 0 m k t th d ty f th m I 1
t d th t ta t t k 1 a th 1 t d
t t f th S t y f tl T y w t f th 1
m f t g t hi hm t 1 ft tl th Id
tttt dd dt t tb mttlS taj
f th T y It th d h m t [ p p t f tl
|;30 000 t f th m f $150 000 t i 1 1 y tl p tf
tkth mitlthlrathdqt
t tl p
The entire population of the Union by this ennmeration was
T 230 903
Th t m d p th 1j t f m fact t f
th 1 ra t 1 1 II d f t k g th th b f y f
ml t t t f m ty 1 mj 1 t d tl 1
tance oi b Ity of m y p t g t f m w
ly gul dd dt wll raj pt
trmlyJfi t Thac tfmthdff tt dt t
d f d f th ra t t 1 th tb i fi t
w f th g t th t II t, d t y d th ( 1 fl t
wl h 11 mp f th ft I It q t d ffi It Th
t ra f II f 1 t f f II d 1 bl t f m t f tl t I 1
d d t f th ft f tl t y Tl f I
yl C ttM htt^wYklTt tl
m t mi 1 t th f m S th C 1 th 1 t b t t d h
w pp t 11 f th A f p! t f m
wh h m ^ht b t d w II II t t th t d t t f m f
th d fi wh h h b 1 vi t 1 by p
viding the agents of government with proper schedules for their guidance.
No attempt was made, in general, to take an account of the capital,
or raw material, the number of hands, or the cost of labor employed.
The number of manufacturing establishments, or manufacturers, the ma-
chinery, and the quantity and value of the product of the regular and
household kind alone were given, and these were frequently defective in
one or all of the items. Thus the number of printing offices — stated by
Mr. Thomas, a competent authority, at more than 400 in ISIO— was
returned by the marshals as 110, Bookbinders, calico-printers, and
,y Google
160 DIGEST OP CENSUS EETUaWS, [1810
dyeing oatablishments were returned only for one state. No glass worka
were returned for Massacbusetta, which had long made and exported
glass of superior quality to other states. Bark mills were given for only-
one state ; carriage -makers for three ; blaekamith's shops for fivo ; hatters
for four ; tin and copperware shops for two— and these the least con-
siderable in that branch. The number of tallow candle factories in
MassachQsetts was not given, although that state was credited with
nearly one-half the product in that braueb, and the same was the case
with morocco factories.
Notwithstanding their defects, however, the returns contained a vaat
amount of valuable information, which will be interesting in all future
time, as the first systematic statement of American Manufactures in
detail. The results were looked for with considerable interest, and the
Committee of Commerce and Manufactures in the House proposed, so
soon as they were in posses.sion of them, to make them the basis of some
measures for the benefit of the manufacturing interests. The returns
were sent into the Treasury Department in November, 1811, and at the
reqneat of the above committee, one of its members, Mr. S. L. Mitchell
of New York, examined them, and in a letter to the chairman, dated
January 7, 1812, professetj his inability, after several attempts, to arrange
the materials in a compendious or naefal form, on aceonnt of their hetero-
geneous character He prciented, however, some general facts, which were
published subsequently ' and showed the value of the information em-
bodied and also cxpres ed a wish to see them in the hands of some
one who would exiiatt it more fully. On the 21st February, Mr.
Seybeit of PLUisyham moved in the House, that a person be em-
ployed to prepare -mi report at the nest session a digest of the census
returns of Manufacturer and in obedience to a joint resolution of both
House=!, approved 19th of March, the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr.
Gallatm tommitted the documcnta for that purpose to the charge of Mr.
Tench Cose of PhiUdelphia. From his valuable and well digested
tables completed in M-n 1813, and published by Congress, we extract
the following particulars if the leading branches of industry and general
summanes of tlie entue product of manufactures in the Union and in
the seveial states, temtuiies and districts.
The marshals reported 21,311,262 yards of flaxen, 16,583,299 of
cotton and 9 528 3GC of woolen goods made m families The total
amount of all kinds of cloths exceeded 75,000,000 yards. There were
1776 carding machines bv which 7,417,216 lbs. of materials had been
(1) Amer. Med, and PIiHosoph. Register, vol, 2, p. 40S. Emporium of Arte and SoienccE,
i.Google
1810] PEODUOr OP MANUFACTURES. 161
carded; 1683 fulling mills, by which 5,452,960 yards of cloth had been
fulled ; 313,143 spinning wheels ; 133,647 spindles ; 335,392 looms ; one
silk manufactory which made 1800 yards of silk, worth |1800 ; 842
liatteries ; 153 iron furnaces, which manufactared 53,908 tons of iron ;
330 forges, which made 34,541 tons of bar iron ; ISSbloomenes; 316trip
hammers; thirty-fonr volliog and slitting mills which rolled and slit 9,280
tons of iron; four steel furnaces, which made 911 tons of steel ; 410
naileries, making 15,131,914 lbs. of nails; IIT gun manufactories; 111
cutlery shops; 4,316 tanneries, producing 2,608,240 lbs. of leather in
addition to morocco manufactories, making 44,063 dozen sJtins, and other
dressed skins and leather, making a total value of $8,388,250 ; 383 flax-
seed mills, making 170,583 gallons of oil; 14,191 distilleries, producing
22,977,167 gallons from fruit and grain, and 2,827,625 gallons from
molasses ; 133 breweries, making 182,690 barrels or 5,150,000 gallons ;
11,755 gallons of grape and currant wine ; eighty-nine carriage -makers,
who made 2,413 carriages; 14,569 wooden clocks; thirty- three sugar
refineries, in which 7,867,211 lbs, of refined sugar had been manufactured ;
119 paper mills, producing 425,521 reams and 22,500 rolls of paper;
fonr paper stainers which stained and stamped 148,000 pieces of paper-
hangings; twenty-two glass works, which prodnced 4,961,000 sqnare
feet of window-glasB and 14,600 bottles; 194 potteries; eighty-two
snuff-mills; eight drug manufactories; 173 ropewalks, which made
10,843 tous of cables and cordage ; 208 gunpowder mills, producing
1,397,111 lbs. of powder; eight print works, employing 122 hands ; sixty-
two salt works, making 1,238,365 bushels of salt ; straw bonnets to the
value of $606,068.
Among the establishments and products classed as of a doubtful
nature were 2,917 wheat mills, 350 grist mills; 2,526 common saw mills,
making 94,000,000 feet of lumber; ninety-one cane-sugar works, pro-
ducing 9,611 hogsheads of sugar; 9,665,108 lbs. of maple sugar;
94,371,646 bricks (in three states); saltpetre, including the product of
twenty-two caves in West Tennessee, 439,607 lbs.; forty indigo worlta
(in Orleans Territory), making 45,800 lbs ; and 489 lirae kilns (in Fenn-
sy Irani a and Rhode Island).
A SOMMAKT OS THE TCfflAli VaLUE OP THE SeVEKAL BsAKCilES OP MiiSUFAOTHREa
IK THE UkITEIi StATEB, EjtCLIJfilVE OF DoHBTFCt ArTICT.ES, AcOOKDISO TO THE
Census op 1810.
1. Goods manufactttrea ij tlie loaia, of cotton, wool. Has:, hemp, and
silk, Willi stockings 639,497,057
2. Other goods of tiieae five materials, apnn 2,053,130
,y Google
16S PRODUCE OP MANTJPACTUBES. [1810
3. InstramentB and machinery manufaotarcsd — value $186,650,
carding, fulling, anil floor cloth stamping by macliinery—
value 36,957.816 6,144,486
4. Hats of wool, fur, eto., and of mixtures of them 4,323,744
5. Manufactures of ironi 14,364,526
6. Manufactures of gold, silver, set work, mixed metals, eto 2,483,912
7. Mannfaotures of lead 325,560
8. Soap, ta!low candles, wax, aud spermaceti, spring oil and
whale oil 1,766,392
9. Mauufactures of hides and afcins 17,935,477
10. Manufactures from seeds 858,509
11. drain, frnit, and oase liquors, distilled and fermented 1 6,528,207
12. Dry manufactures from grain, exclusively of flour, meal, etc... 75,766
13. Manufaotnres of wood 5,554,706
14. Manofaoturea of essenoes and oils, of and from wood 179,150
15. Refined or mauufactnredaugara 1,415,724
16. Mfluufaotures of paper, pastehoard, cards, eto 1,939,285
17. ManufastareB of marble, stone, and slate 462,115
18. Glass manufactures ], 047, 004
19. Eartiien manufactures 259,720
20. Manufactures of tobaeco 1,260,379
21. Drugs, dyestnffs, paints, etc., and dyeing , 500,383
22. CiWes and cordage 4,243,168
33. Manufactures of hair 129,731
24. Various and miscellaneous manufactures 4,347,601
*1 37, 694,602
From a consideration of all tlie reported details, and a Taluation of
the manufactures which were omitted or imperfectly returned, the fore-
going amonnt of $127,694,602 was by Mr. Cose extended to $172,762,670,
exclusive of doubtful articles. These last embraced such mannfactures
as from their nature were nearly allied to ajfriculture, including cotton
pressing, flour and meal, grain and saw mills, horse mills, barrels for
packing, malt, pot and pearl ashes, maple and cane sagar, molasses,
rosin, pitch, slates, bricks, tiles, saltpetre, indigo, red and yellow ochre,
hemp and liemp mills, fisheries, wine, ground plaster, etc., altogether
estimated at $25,850,795, making the aggregate yalne of the mannfac-
tures of every description in the United States in 1810, eqnal to
$198,613,474.
The returned and estimated values of the manufactures proper were
assigned to the different states and territories according to the following:;
table.
,y Google
MANDFAOTDRES IN 1810 — POINTING,
Sdmhakt of Tai
Terbitories (
Makbhai^ a:
Respective Tamtbs of Mandfaotdbbs ra at
? THE United States im 1810, Accoediko ti
Me T c C
Mai (Do)
M !U>
H w H mp h
AmODg the important publications issued at Philadelphia in tbe last and
present year was the second volame of Wilson's American Ornithology, a
work in seven volumesfolio with colored plates. The number of volumes
annually printed in the city was estimated at half a million. The print-
ing offices nambered iifty-oue, and the presses 153. There were upward.
(1) Tha mnrsliala ot BQTeral of Uie state?
rapreaenWd the nmount of msniifaotiires to
be much greater than was returaed b; theEr
IuiBiEta.nt!; those of Rhode Island twenty-five
to thirly-five per cenC; those of GonDeatiout
eonsiderably greater; those of Hew York
were {nojjtsi≪/ eBtimQ.t«d, and given to the
Treasury in Dacamber 1811, at $33,387,566,
iiicludiug some artiolea of it doubtful dnssj
tlie iron maniifaotareii in Kentuoltj, and
genarally Ihronghout tlie Union, was con-
sidered groaler than reported; the various
cloths and distillBd spirits io South Carolinft
was thought to be doubla tlie value reported,
Those of Georgianere considered deofdedlr
i.Google
164 PAPER MILLS — CALICO PRINTING EBNBEIT
[1810
of sixty engravers and employment for twenty more. The art of en-
graving had beeft much improyed within a few years.
The number of newspapers printed in the United States was estimated
ut upward of twenty-two millions annually. The paper mills were esti-
mated, by Thomas, at 185, yiz,. : Now Hampshire, seven ; Massachusetts,
thirty-eight ; Rhode Island, four ; Connecticut, seven ; Termont, nine ;
New York, twelve; Pennsylvania, sixty; Delaware, four; Maryland,
throo ; Tirginia, four ; South Carolina, one ; Kentucky, six ; Tennessee,
fonr. Rags began about this time to be imported largely for the use of
paper makers.
The repeal of the embargo was followed by considerable activity in
ship bnilding in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and about
one hundred new vessels, chiefly ships, were launched within a few
months in the two states.
The value of exports for the fiscal year rose to $6e,76T,944, whereof
over fifteen millions were in cotton, upward of five in tobacco and nearly
seven in flour.
The first lot of cotton goods printed in the TJnited States, by engraved
roIlGrs and maellinery driven by water power, reached Phikdelphia, Oc-
tober 6tb, from the Bleach and Triiit works of Thorp, Siddall & Co.,
about six miles from Philadelphia. The cylinder machine was brought
from England during the last year by Mr. Siddall, and was the first to
supersede the tedious process of block printing previously in use. One
man and two boys were able to print ten thousand yards of cloth or
fifty thousand children's handkerchiefs in a single day.' Cotton and linen
goods were stained and dyed of one 1 1 ns uses, by similar
means, within the next two years. Th ma f t f every description
of cotton machinery was commenced ab ut 11 an time at Holmes-
burg, near Philadelphia, by Alfred J nl a i | 1 and colaborer with
Samuel Slater. He contributed many mp o n nts luring subsequent
years, and the business is still extensiv ly 1 cted 1 y his auccessora.
Mutual Benefit Societies, or associat n f th ras classes of me-
chanics and tradesmen for mutual as ta ! y tl appropriation of
small sums from their earnings to a eomm n f nd, f t the support of the
sick or needy, were a prominent feature in the social organizations of
this period. Of these provident associations there were in Philadelphia,
in addition to numerous societies for general and special charities, na-
tional and patriotic associations, the following, the most of them incor-
porated : The Carpenters' Societj-, the oldest, instituted in 1724; the
Shipmastei-s', Pilots', and Mariners' Societies ; Stonecutters' Company ;
Master Bricklayers' Society ; Hair Dressers' and Surgeon Barbers' So-
ciety; Typographical Society; Master Tailors' Society; Provident
,y Google
1810] SAVING BANKS— PUOVIDENCE — LAPIDARIES 165
Society of House Carpenters ; Master Mechanics' Benevolent Society ;
and similar societies of tlie Cordwainers, Joumeynaen Blacksmiths,
Journeymen Tailors — who had two, the Hatters, Bricklayers, Master
Coopers, and Journeymen Coopers. Similar societies existed in most
of the principal cities and were annually increasing.
Public attention was also at this time invited, through a paper by Dr.
Mease, in the "Archives of Useful Knowledge," to the importance of
establishing a Banlt of Industry, for the benefit of tlie laboring classes,
similar to those known in Europe as "Banks of Savings." This appears
to have been the earliest proposition in the United States to found a
savings institution. They had existed for some years in France, and
since 1804 in England, where Mrs. Priscilla Waltefield that year estab-
lished the first at Tottenham, in Middlesex, and conferred an immense
benefit upon the classes for whose use it was designed,
Phtladeiphia was at this date supplied with water through about
thirty-five miles of pipe, made of wood of three or four inch bore, con-
nected by cylinders of cast iron. The whole expense of the works to
November 1, had been $500,000. The number of manufacturers sup-
phed was 1922, being an increase during the year of 332.
Tho extension of useful manufactures and the substitution of
domestic for foreign supplies, was mentioned in the presidential message,
Dec. 5., as a subject of satisfaction, and "in a national view the change
was justly regarded as of itself more than a recompense for their priva-
tions and losses resulting from foreign injustice, which furuished the gene-
ral impulse required for its accomplishment. How far it might be ex-
pedient to guard the infancy of this improvement in the distribution of
labor by regulation of the commercial tariff, was a subject which could
not fail to suggest itself to the patriotic reflections of Congress."
The jewelry manufacture of Providence, R. I., employed about 100
workmen, and the product amounted to $100,000 annually.
Lapidary work and glass cutting were carried on by two or three persons
in Philadelphia, one of whom, John Benson, from Euroi>e, claimed to be
the only regular bred lapidary in America,
A German named Eichbaum "Formerly glass cutter to Louis XVL,
late king of France," is stated to have recently established his business
ia Pittsburg, where a sis light chandelier, with prisms of his cutting,
suspended in the house of Mr. Kerr, innkeeper, was supposed to have
been the first ever cut in the United States. Three glass works in
that town produced flint glass to the value of $30,000, and bottle and
window glass worth $40,000. Among the manufactures of Pittsburg
were tho following articles of ironmongery: chisels, claw hammers,
steelyards, shingling hatchets, drawing kuives, cutting knives, shovels,
,y Google
166 HARDWARE — WIEE— DRtlflS — COMPANIES. [1810
tongs, buckles, gimlets, augers, squares, door handles, jack screws, files,
etock locks, spinning wbeel irons, axes, hoes, chains, kitchenware, &e.,
to the amount of $15,000. About 200 tons of cat and wrought nails of
all sizes were made annnally, and a manufactory of bridle bits and stirrups
had been recently established. Sis mannfactories of tin, copper, and
japanned ware, mannfactured to the valne of ^30,000.
The Swiss colony at Teray, Indiana, had eight acres of vineyard under
cnltiyation, from which they made 2,400 gallons of wine, partly from the
Madeira grape.
The manufacture of drugs and chemicals, sach as aqna ammonia,
sulphuric ether, sweet spirits of nitre, salt of tartar, benzoic acid, and
refined saltpetre, was about this time commenced at Elizabethtown, N, J.,
by Innes & Robertson, who, three or four years after, began to make
calomel and other drugs.
An extensive bed of Kaolin, or decomposed felspar, was found at
Monkton, Addison Co., Vt., and a company was chartered for tho
manufacture of fine porcelain from it. The same mineral exists at
Brookline, Windham Co.
Among other establish ments incorporated this year was the Hum-
phreysville Manufactnring Company, at Derby, Ct., having a capital of
$500,000. Tiie extensive broadcloth works of Geul. Humphreys, in
whose honor the village and company were named, and a cotton manu-
factory at the same place belonged to the conapany. The Munson & Brim-
field Manufactnring Company, on the Cliicopee, in Hampdown connty,
Mass; and the following in New York: The Monnt Vernon, Oneida
(cotton), Ontario, Lenox, TTtica and Geneva Glass, and the Oneida Iron
and Glass Manufacturing Companies or Associations ; the Galen Salt Com-
pany ; the Manlins {cotton and woolen) ; the Oneida ; the Nev/ Hartford
(capital $200,000) ; and the Milton Mannfacturing Associations. The
last named was a large woolen mannfacturing company, whose cloths
soon acquired a high reputation. One of the first steam cotton mills
in the United States was established within a few years after at Ballston,
in the same town. The Home Mannfacturing Company, in Rensselaer
county ; the Rensselaer Woolen and Cotton Factory ; the Schoharie Paper
Manufactory (Wood & Reddington), the H'ew York State Company;
and the New York Economical School.* The Powhatan Cotton Works, on
Gwinn's Falls, six miles from Baltimore, were erected at this time, and
incorporated in 1815.
The following were some of the patents issued this year : to John P.
Spies, Baltimore, Md. (Jan. 8), for manufacturing horn combs and platisig
(I) Laws of Hew York.
,y Google
1810] PATENTS IN lylO. J6T
with tortoise shell ; David Williams 3d, Hartford, Ct. (May 28), ivory
eomba;. and Eli Parsons, Bristol, Ct. (Aug. 16), socket hair combs;
John S. Lawin and T. B. Wait, Boston (Feb. I), circular printing
press;' George Murray, Philadelphia (Feb. 15), a mode of engraving
to prevent counterfeiting ; and also to Jacob Perkins, Boston (June 16),
for a mode of preventing counterfeiting. The forging of bank bills, which
these inventions were designed to counteract, was very rife at this time,
and was rendered easy by the rudeness of the art. The stereotype
check plate, first patented by Perkins, in 1T99, was thought to render it
nearly impossible, and the Legislature of Massachusetts required all
bank notes to be impressed by his process. His mode of transferring,
engravings from one plate to another, by means of steel roller dies, upon
which he and Murray soon after conjointly patented an improvement,
was, in 1S08, applied to calico printing by Mr. Locket, of Manchester,
England; and about the year 1820, after having been long in use iu
this country, his method of engraving haak notes was extensively intro-
duced in England, by Perkins, Pairraan, and Heath. Perkins's steam gun,,
tested in England near the same time, was invented about this date, hut
not patented. George Easterly, Richmond, Ta., received a patent (Feb. 5)
for making barilla from tobacco sterna ; Robert Llojd, Philadelphia
(Feb. 8), loom for weaving girth cloth ; Mellen Battle, N. T. (April 2),
wheelwlight's labor-saving machine; Amos Miner Marcellus, N. Y.
(April 11), spinning wheel heads. This invention, first patented Nov.
16, 1803, and embracing a double geared great wheel and a horizontal
little wheel, did not attract attention until 1804, when a partnership was
formed, and a small manufactory, highly original and ingenious in its
plan, was erected by Miner, Demming, Pierce & Co., who the present
year, employed twenty hands, and made weekly from six to nine thousand
of the patent accelerating wheel heads. The gain of velocity, in the
spindlo, by the accelerating wheel, was said to be as nineteen to nine, or
morethandouble, and the saving of labor in spinning wool to be one third,
in worsted one half, and for merino wool it was indispensable. It was also
much employed for cotton and tow, and the wheel heads were extensively
counterfeited in New England. Peter Lorillard, N. Y. (April 25),
received a patent for maunfacturing tobacco ; John Nicholson (April 28),
for casting metal screws ; James Davis, Philadelphia (May 15), manufac-
turing suspenders ; Henry Burke, Philadelphia (June 18), winding and
spinning wire ; Wiuslow Lewis, Boston (June 8), reflecting and magnify-
on ancH plan, moroBimplettum any la use, Benjamlo Dearborn, of Boston, who had
ond designod to ssonre, by moans of a inTonicd a lyheel presB about ttrentv-fivB
,y Google
[1810
ing laQte
Th 1 t
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1 pt d f
I htt
iC
two years ft th
d th
i h
f th [
t
t t,l,t 1
use of the TJ
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to be orig
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territories f
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$60 000
IP P
t d
Ph
Boston (J \j 12), patented a leather splitting machine , Elibha Vt inter.
New Orleans (Sept. i), double screw press ; Elisha Perkins, Shrewsbury,
K. J. (Sept. 16), elastic clear starch from wheat; Oliver Stetson and
William Sebree, Georgetown, Ky. (Dec. 11), a screw auger; Leonard
Beatty, WilkesbaiTe, Pa, (Dec. 28), printing calico and paper.
,y Google
CHAPTEE III.
The interruption of OommBrce with tiie Baltic, bj onliancing the price,
had given a great impulso to the cultivation of hemp, and a considerable
1R11 ''^'''^''^® *" ''^ manufacture, which in Kentncby alone was this year
valued at $500,000. Early in the third session, the House of Repre-
sentatives, by resolution, instructed the Committee of Commerce and
Manufactures to inquire into the expediency of encouraging the culture
of hemp by protective impost duties or by prohibiting its importation,
on which occasion Mr. Mitchell, of New York, stated his conviction that
enough coald be raised on the Genesee Flats and the Wallkill river, in
that state, to supply the Iforth, and in Kentucky for the South. In dis-
charge of this duty, Mr. NewtoD, for the above committee, laid before the
House (Jan. 21) a letter from the Secretary of the Navy on the subject.
The discouragements arising from early inexperience, errors, and doubts
of the fitness of the soil and climate, were stated to have been in a great
measure overcome, and the quantity raised was yearly increasing. The
crop was a very certain one, and yielded from $100 to $300 worth of
dressed hemp per acre, with less labor and expense than tobacco and
several other crops. The practice of " dew rotting" was strongly con-
demned as expensive and injurious to the iibre. The process and advan-
tages of " water rotting," as practiced in Russia, were described and
recommended, as all that was necessary to make American hemp eqnal
to foreign, and probably secure its adoption for the use of the navy, in
which dew-rotted American hemp was already used for running and
standing rigging. The Secretary recommended an annual appropriation
to enable hira to contract for American watered hemp for tho naval
service. During the year lai^e importations of hemp, amounting to
228,390 cwt. , or nearly fonr times the amount of the previous year, were
made, chiefly for Russia.
Extensive manufactories of cordage, bale rope, bagging, etc., had
been established in Louisville, Lexington, Shelbyville, and Frankfort,
Ky., and the following quantities of raw material and manufacture
(160)
,y Google
170 HBMl' AND COEDAGE— SHEEP. [1811
had been seDt down tlie Ohio in two mouths following Nov. 21, 1810,
viz. : hemp, 400 Iba. ; tarred rope, 419 lbs. ; bale rope, 30,784 lbs. ; rope
yarn, 154,000 lbs. ; thread, 1,484 lbs. ; bagging, 21,700 yards; tow cloth,
4,619 yards. During the year 1810, 1,378,944 lbs. of hemp and spun
yarn, worth, at fifteen cents per pound, over $206,000, passed through
Pittsburg to the Baltimore and Philadelphia markets.
A lengthy and earnest ruemorial was at this time presented to Con-
gress, from Lewis Sanders and one hundred and twelve other citizens of
Lexington, Ky., praying for some more decisive encouragement to the
internal industry of the country. The protection and snpport of gov-
ernment appeared to them to have been almost exclusively given to com-
merce and the fisheries by the immense sums expended in fortifications
of the seaports, the establishment of a navy, espenditures occasioned by
foreign intercourse, tonnage duties, bounties to fishermen, credits at the
cnstom house, etc. To these they did not object ; but while commerce
had received an unnatural extension, manufactures had been left to etmg-
gle almost unaided with obstacles unknown to their foreign competitors.
In the event of a peace, it would be wise, by a little jadicioQS encour-
agement, to create a domestic market for the labor, capital, and produce,
which would thereby be compelled to seek otber channels. Petitloos
were also presented from the manufacturers of morocco leather in
Charlestown and Lynn, Mass., for additional duties on the foreign ai'ticle,
or its prohibition. The former stated that 800,000 skins were annually
manufactured in the United States, eqnal or superior to the best foreign,
of which number 150,000 were made in Charlestown.
The Legislature of New York, in February, enacted a general law for
the incorporation of manufacturing companies, under which most asso-
ciations for that purpose- were organized, until 1848.
On motion of Mr. Clinton, the Senate of New York passed a resolu-
tion, in which the House concurred, recommending all members of the
Legislature to appear at the nest session in cloth of American manufac-
ture. In March of this year, the Emperor Napoleon established in
France several depots of merino sheep, in order to encourage their
increase, and during the same month a numerous meeting of noblemen
imd gentlemen was held in London, when it was resolved to establish a
society to irapsove and extend the merino breed of sheep throughout the
United Kingdom, Sir Joseph Banks was chosen president. These
examples were speedily followed in the United States, where the supply
of woolens, more than most other articles, was affected by the restrictive
measures of the government, and the undeveloped state of the woolen
manufacture, chiefly on aeconnt of the scarcity of wool. As an evidence
of this inadequacy of domestic supply, it is said, the Secretary of War,
,y Google
1811] MEEINO SHEEP — EXTOaTS AMD IMPORTS. Itl
(Ittring this year, being in need of only about $6,000 wortli of bianliets
for the Indian department, was compelled to aak of Congre^ a snspension
of the non-intercouvsG act to enable him to obtain them from England.
The recent renewal of that a t and the great demand for wool and
woolens, led to the format! n du ng th mmer, of the " Merino Society
of the Middle States," wb h on tl 5th f October, held its first stated
meeting, after its organizat on at th f m of Mr. Caldwell, the presi-
dent, near Haddonfield, N J S 1 hundred full-blood merinos were
exhibited and the society s n aft a ^ed and published a list of pre-
miums, of from twenty to fifty dollars, to be adjudged in July following, for
essays on subjects connected with ebeep hnsbandry and for the best merino
stock. Sheep of that breed sold at public auction, in Philadelphia, during
the previous year, from $330 to |250 each, a lot of twenty-five having sold
for $5900, and another lot of thirty-three ewes for $250 each, and bucks
for $350 each. In the State of New York, where greater zeal was shown
for their propagation, sums of $500, $1,000, and even $1500, were re-
peatedly paid during the same year. A translation of a complete treatise
on Merino and other sheep, with plates, recently published at Paris by
M. Tessier, inspector of the Bambouillet and other establishments in
France, was this year printed at the Economical School Office in New
York and published. A translation of another French work on the snb-
ject, by M. Daubenton, was published in Boston. These efforts mani-
fested the strong interest taken in the subject at this time, and seemed to
warrant the extensive preparations, completed this year, by the Messrs.
Dupont & Bauduy, on the Brandywine, for the manufacture of superfine
broadcloth, on a iarge scale.'
The United States this year exported 1,445,612 barrels of flour, worth
$14,662,000, being more than double the value of the same article ex-
ported the last year. The total value of domestic exports amounted to
145,294,041, including mannfaefures to the value of $3,039,000.
The total importation from Great Britain was only £1,874,911 sterling,
agwnst £11,217,685 the previous year. Of the aggregate valne of
British produce and manufactures exported to all parts of the world
during the seven years, from 1805 to 1811, the United States had re-
ceived annually 20.11 per cent.' The substitution of the non-importation
act for the- embargo, caused exchange on England, which under the
latter act had risen to nine per cent, above par — payable in English cur-
rency, which was ten per cent, below metallic money — to fall in the
United States this year to twenty per cent, below par. A large influx
of specie took place and a now impulse was given to improvements in
agriculture, manufactures, and real estate.
(1) Arohiyea Useful Knowledge, vol. 1, p. 207; vol. 3, p. 193. (2) Seybflrt.
,y Google
If 2 COTTON— SDGAB — OHTIM — I8INC1LA88. [ISH
The quantity of Cotton produced throughout the world was estimated
at 555,0110,000 of pounds, of which 80,000,000 were the growth of the
"United States and valued at |12,500,000. Of the domestic product,
62,000,000 of pounds, valued at $9,000,000, were exported, being
31,000,000 of pounds and 6,000,000 in value below the exports of the
last jear. The cotton states produced as follows : South Carolina, forty ;
Georgia, twenty ; Tennessee, eight ; North Carolina, three ; Louisiana,
seven ; and Alabama, two millions of pounds. The average price of all
kinds in the United States was fifteen and one-half cents per pound. The
best was raised in the valley of the Red river in Louisiana. The crops
of biackseed cotton, in this and two following years, were nearly cut off
by the "rot," in consequence of which, and of the low price of cotton,
the attention of many was turned to aagar. In Georgia, sugar, wine,
and oil, were attempted. Two pipes of excellent red wine were produced
by Mr. John Cooper of St. Simons, and much sweet and castor oil was
made on the sea-coast of that state. Samples of good Muscovedo sngar
were made by Mr. Cooper and Mr. Thomas Spalding, on Sapelo Island,
and by Mr. Grant.
Several attempts had also been made within the last few years to pro-
duce Opiam from the white poppy. In Georgia, and some of the
Northern States, good samples of the drug— which in 1808 rose to
fourteen dollars per pound— were made, as well as oil from the seed.
The manufacture of Isinglass which also rose in price during the em-
bargo to ten dollars a pound — was about this time recommended as
profitable. Several samples had been sent to England before the Revo-
lution, in consequence of premiums offered there for its manufacture in
the colonies. Caviar made from the roes of different species of sturgeon
— from the sounds or air-bladders of which, in common with those of
other fish, the Icthyocolla or pure anima! gelatin called isinglass is made
—had long been an article of domestic manafaetnre and export.
The following summary was published of the principal manufacturing
establishments in the city and county of Philadelphia, which contained at
this period a greater number and variety of manufactures than any city in
the Union. The population in 1810 was 111,210, that of New York
being at the same time 96,372.
Looms, 213 ; spinning wheels, 3,648 ; oil mills, three ; carriage shops,
seventeen {value of work in 1810 $498,500); soap and candle works,
twenty-eight; glue manufacturers, fourteen ; distilleries, eighteen (gallons
distilled in 1810, 1,283,818); sugar refineries, ten; ropewalks, fifteen;
potteries, sixteen ; tobacco and snuff mills, twenty-seven ; copper, brass,
and tin factories, forty-fonr; hatters' shops, 102; paper mills, seven;
printing offices, iifty-one ; cutlers' shops, twenty-eight ; gun factories,
,y Google
1811] PHILADELPHIA MANUPACTUEISS — PAPER — STEAMBOATS. 173
ten glaa w k tbree.' To these may be added, from the official digest
of th n hal etnrns afterward published : looms with fly shuttles,
18f> 1 dl n factories, 4,423 ; stocking looms and factories,' 105 ;
pr nt w k ht , print cutting establishments, four ; naileries, twenty ;
saw f t to; bell founderies, ten ; shot factories, three ; morocco
factories, seven; breweries, seventeen; blacksmith shops, 201; cooper
shops, 124 ; drug mills, six ; brush factories, twenty-four ; drum makers,
five ; engraving establishments, sixteen ; book hinders, eighty-six ;
printing press factories, two; Spanish segar factories, nine (making
3,900,000 Spanish segars in addition to 26,900,000 American segars
made) ; wheat mills, thirty-three ; saw mills, seventeen ; mahogany saw
mills, twenty-one ; brick-kilns, thirty; ete., etc.'
The total value of mauufac tares within the above limits was
$16,103,869, and those of the whole state $44,194,740.
In Delaware and Pennsylvania, there were at this time seventy-six
paper mills, with ninety-three vats.
An era in the commercial history of the Western States, was the eon-
Btrnction at Pittsburg this year of the steamboat " New Orleans," the
first that raa oa the western waters. The boat was built partly by sub-
scriptions in New York and Pittsburg, but chiefly by Messrs. Livingston
& Fulton, and Kichoias I. Roosevelt ; Mv. Roosevelt, in 1800, made a
tour of exploration, to ascertain the practicability of navigating the
Mississippi by steam, and superintended the building of the boat, aided
by Mr. Stowdinger, engineer in chief of the North river boats. She
was 138 feet long by thirty feet beam, and between 300 and 400 tons
burthen. Her cost was $40,000, one-half of which was reimbursed by
the nKt profits of her first year's business. She was wholly constructed
at Pittsburg, engine, boiler, and machinery, and was launched in March.
On the 39th October she left Pittsburg for New Orleans, and arrived at
Louisville, upward of 70O miles below, in seventy hours. She was de-
tained at the falls by low water for several weeks, during which she made
several trips to Cincinnati, and in December proceeded on her voyage,
arriving in New Orleans on the 34th, having received her first freight
and passengers at Natchez. She continued to ply between New Orleans
and Natchez, for which trade she was bnilt, making the round trip in
about seventeen days, until 1814, when she was wrecked, upon a snag at
Eaton Rouge.
In July of this year there were five steamboats running from New
York to Albany, and one to New Brunswick, one on the Delaware, one
on Lake Champlain, one on the Ohio (the Orleans), and one on the St.
(I) Mease's Pieturc of Philafleiphb. (2) Coxe's Census Digoal.
,y Google
IH COTTON MILLS — PEESIBENT'S MESSA.GE— TONSAGE — LEAD. [1811
Lawrence. Thei'a were also building, on tlic St. Lawrence one, on the
Hudson river as a ferry boat one, and two others for the associates of the
Jersey Company, to run, according to contract with the city of New
York, every half hour between that city and Paulns Hook. In these last
the ingenions Fnlton carried out the an-angements still observed in the
ferry boats, inchiding side cabin, rudder at each end to avoid tarning, the
floating bridge or coffer to facilitate landing, and contrivances to guide
the boat into the dock, and to break the shock on reaching the bridge.
About this time also, Mr. Bell produced bis steamboat, " Comet,"
on the Clyde, the only one at this time on the British waters.
The number of cotton factories in Rhode Island on 31st October, was
thirty-seven, the number of spindles 82,186, with a capacity for rnnnjog
56,251-'
Mr. Madison, in his fii-st speech to the Twelfth Congress {Wot. 6),
while recommending continued military and naval preparations, suggested
that, "Although other sabjeets wilt press upon your deliberations,
a portion of tijem cannot but be well bestowed on the just and sound
policy of securing to our manufactures the success they have attained,
and are sfcill attsining, ander the impulse of causes not permanent; and
to our navigation the fair extent of which it is at present abridged by
the unequal regulations of foreign governments. Besides, the reasonable-
ness of saving our manufacturers from sacrifices a change of circumstances
might bring on them, the national interest requires that, with respect to
such articles as belong to our defence and our primary wants, we shotrld
not be left in unnecessary dependence on foreign supplies."
It was recorded as an instance of extraordinary dispatch that the
message above referred to was received in Philadelphia on the 5th, by
express, in nine and a half hours from Washington, and in Boston in
sixty-four hours.
The tonnage of new vessels built during the year exceeded that of any
previous one, and amounted to 146,691 tons of enrolled and registered
vessels. In Februaiy, 9,145 tons were on the stocks at Philadelphia,
and over 3,000 tons, including five ship-rigged vessels of 300 tons each,
were built at Rochester, Mass.
Abont 500,000 pounds of lead were this year made and sold to traders
by the Sac and Fox Indians, from the mines of Prairie dn Chien, on the
Mississippi, eighty miles above those of Dubuque, then owned by the
natives. The ore was rudely smelted on piles of wood.
Some valuable salt works were already established at Mine river, on
the Upper Missouri, under the management of Mr. Braxton Cooper,*
The Columbian Chemical Society was formed in Philadelphia.
(I) Stone's Cnnaus of Providence, elo. (2) BroclionriJgo's View of Louisiana,
,y Google
18111 NEW TOKK COEPORATIOHS— PATESTS. 175
In New York, sixtj-sis acts of incorporation were graiiteil for iiiaimfiic-
turing and industrial pnrpoaes, of which forty-seven represented a capital
of nine millions of dollars. The following were chartered under the
general act of the previons year, certificates of which were to he deposited
with the Secretary of State, viz ; the Manlins Cotton and Woolen Manu-
facturing ; the Stanford Mannfacturing ; the Whitesboro Cloth Manufac-
taring (for weaving, dyeing, and finishing cloth) ; the Farmers' Woolen
and Cotton Factory ; the Manlius Glass and Iron ; the Geneva Glass ; the
Elba Iron and Steel Mannfacturing (capital $100,000, with extensive
works on the Au Sable, in North Elba [Keene], Essex county, built by
A. Mclntyre and associates) ; the Mohawk Factory ; tlie Ontario Mann-
facturing; the Rutland Woolen Manufacturing; the Newport Cotton
Manufactory ; and the Schenectady Manufacturing Companies and Asso-
ciations. The following were incorporated by special acts of the Legis-
lature : The Oriskany (woolen, at Whitesboro, Oneida co,) ; the Clinton
Woolen ; the Somerstown and the West Chester County Manufacturing ;
the Bristol Glass, Cotton, and Clay ; the Jamesville Iron and Woolen
Factory ; the New York Sugar Refinery ; the Chenango Manufacturing ;
the Colnmbia Lead Mine; the Cornwall Cotton Manufactory j the
Montgomery and the Old enbarue veld Manufacturing ; and the Snsque-
hanna Coal Companies, Associations, and Societies.
In conformity with resolutions of the House, in December, 1810, with
a; view to a revision of the patent laws, the Secretary of State, in January
of this year, laid before the House a list of the patentees and their inven-
tions, and a special committee reported a bill for a revision of all the acts
upon the subject. The Massachusetts Association, for the encouragement
of useful inventions, presented a petition in Eebruary, signed by its
president and secretary, Benjamin Dearborn and John Fairbanks, praying
for such a revision of the laws as shonld secure inventors more fully
against infractions of their patent rights, and the wrongs to which they
were subject by the exportation of copies of specifications, drawings, and
models, surreptitionsly obtained at the patent office for the purpose of
aecoring patents in foreign countries.
From infonnation afterward eommnnicated by the Secretary of State,
it appeared that the number of patents issued, from 31st July 1190 toSlst
December 1811, was 1,613 (au average of seventy-seven annually during
the twenty- one years), and the gross amount of fees received was $49,110.
The sums received for patents had annually increased, and amounted in
the present year to $6,310.. The secretary was directed to make au
annnal report of the patents issued. Patents were granted this year to
Archibald Binnoy of Philadelphia (Jan. 29), for a type mould for printers,
which greatly expedited the manufacture of types, and was adopted in
,y Google
lie PATENTS IN 1811. [1811
Europe ; and sinotlier (Feb. 4) to tlic same, for a process of smoothing
or rubbing types ; to Kobert Fulton, New York (Feb 9), for improve-
ments in the steam engine for boats and vessels ; and to John Stevens of
New York (May 31), for constmeting steam engiaes for propelling
boats ; William Pond, Wrentliam, Mass. (Feb. 28), for vi-ove atraw plait ;
Robert Hancock, and Edw. W. Carr, Philadelphia (March 1), a machine
for cutting wood screws, which was put in operatiou in Philadelphia ;
Thomas Massey, Philadelphia (March 4), a water loom ; Bai-zillai
Russell, Hartford, Ct. (March 4), an improvement in warming rooms;
Lyman Cook, Whitestown, K. Y. (March 28), four wheeled manual
carriages ; Cyrus Alger, Boston (March 30), a mode of ea.stiiig large
iron rollers for rolling iron ; William Baley, Kelson county, Ey.
(April 10), a stave and shingle machine. This ma^hme bi which a man
and boy could dress and joint tiie staves for 100 barrels, hogsheads, or
casks, in twelve honrs, was driven by one or tn o hoises, and in 1S15 was
in full operation in Cincinnati, when the propiietors weie preparing to
export staves to New Orleans. It was equally adopted to shingles.'
Barnabas Langdon and William Mowry, Washington Co., N. Y.,
patented a machine for shaving, jointing, and forming the staves and
heads of hairela, which was put in operation in WhitehaJl, N. T. ;
Bieaaer Horey, Canaan, K". Y. (May 30), a shearing machine, which
sheared perfectly a yard of cloth per minnte. It was manufactured at
New Lebanon, N. Y. ; Perkins Nichols, Boston (May 18), a rimming
auger; Edward Ramsey, Christian co., Ky. (April 16), and five other
persons severally during the year, took patents for machines for breaking
and dressing hemp and fiax ; Josiah Noyes, Herkimer co., N. Y.
(June 21), a steam stove for cooking ; Samuel 13. Hitchcock and John
Bement, of Homer, N. Y. (July 30), manufacturing boots and shoes.
This was a patent for pegging boots and shoes, which was thus early
practiced in New York, and very generally in Connecticut, with much
relief to the workmen, and with increased dispatch, durability, and
neatness in the work.' It was probably the origin of that description
of manufacture; Robert Hare, Philadelphia (Aug. 23), a mode of
ripening and keeping malt liquor and cider— consisting of air-tight casks,
fitted with a pneumatic cock, with two orifices, etc., and in general use
in Philadelphia at the time; Charles Reynolds, East Windsor, Ct.
(Aug. 21), propelling carriages by steam; Jacob Pierson, Knoxville,
(!) A machini
1 patented in ISOT by J.
at this time.
Mcllvain, of C;
and piis awn;
ahinglaa, by meai
isofiniyes fixed itinwhcel
by water p.>
conneoteS with a
shaft, and turned by liorsa
PUladelpliic:
power, was in ope
ration inWastriiiladelpbia
{3) Archive
i.Google
1811] OONGILESS — MISERALS — -WHITE LEAD. I'J'J
Tenn. (Oct. 17), wooden screw press for cotton ; Samuel Wetherell, Jr.,
Philadelphia (Oct. 29), for a mode of washing white lead, and another
for setting the beds or stocks in making white lead ; and to the same
(Noy. 1), for screening and Heparating white lead, and also for sepa-
rating oxidized from metallic lead, in the process of mating red lead,
and using a machine for that pnrpose ;^ Benjamin Bell, Boston (Nov. 6)i
sulphuric acid ; Benjamin King, Washington, D. C. (Nov. 15), for weld^
ing steel, etc., by means of pit cool.
Earlj- in the first session of the twelfth Congress, the Committee on
Commerce and Manufactures were instructed to inquire into the
1812 ^^P^^'^'^'^y of encouraging the manufacture of iron, either by
protecting impost duties, or by the prohibition of manufactures
of that material. Petitions in favor of the measure were presented from
the iron manufacturers of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hamp-
shire, representing their inability to contend with the recent low price,
induced by heavy importations from Russia. The directors of the New
Hampshire Iron Factory Company stated that they had not realized one
dollar upon a capital of upwards of |300,000 invested in their works
at Franconia, which had been in operation over three years. Samuel
Headlej & Co., and Wadsworth, Allyn & Bostwick, In counter petitions
against the free importation of iron wire, stated that since Ist August
1811, they had erected in Sirasbnry and Winchester, Ct., two manufac-
tories, where, without previous knowledge, they had succeeded in making
from native ore the various kinds of iron wire, of the best quality, and at
moderate price.
On the 3d March a resolation of the Legislature of Massachusetts was
submitted to the Senate of the United States, offering to contract with
the government to supply all the blankets and clothing it might need in
(I) The white lead made at the exlenairo
Cooper'
a Emporium of Arta and Sclenoes,
in Jan.
3 181* (N. S. vol. 3, SOS). The
eereral years Ijefore in Philjidelphia, was at
materia
1, ohromio iron, waa found abnn-
Ihat time conaidered bj painters equal to
dantlyDesr tho city, in Chester eon ntT. em-
the imported. Ead load was made by
bedded
in steatite, or aoap rook, lying above
sevoral, and to the amount of over 313,000
the pri
mitiire limoatono, and in similar
annnally, by three small faoturiea in Pitts.
position
at the Bare Hills, near Baltimore,
tnrg. Painta of over twentj-tno different
wiiereit
waa used as a material for turnpikea.
.nufactnre, on a commeroial aoale.
colors, of bright and durable qnalitj, were
The mt
made in Philadelphia. One of these, the
was Aral
; undertaken by Mr. George Chilton,
hrillinnt Ohromata of lead (chromic jellow).
wiio wai
i followed by Clinton and JarTis, of
was first made in thia eoualrj, afew years
KewYo
rl(, in 1S!2, and by others. It first
before, by Mr. Oodon, who auppHod aeTOral
sold for
$3 per pound. All the mineral
cabinets with samples, and the process was
acids ai
3d chemical drugs were made by
a Philadelphia at thia date.
perfeeted by Mr. Hembcl, of Philaddphia,
sereral i
i.Google
1Y8 ACTS OF CONGRESS — WAR DUTIES— PRICES. fl812
any contingency, and representing that commonwealth as able to supply
such articles, principally from its own manufactures.
An act of Congress authorized (March 12) the enrolling and licensing
of steamboats, employed on the bays and rivers of the United States,
and owned wholly or in part by resident aliens.
An act layiDg a temporary embargo on all ships and vessels in the
ports and harbors of the United States, for ninety days, was, by recora-
mendation of the President, passed and approved Api'il 4. It was fol-
lowed, on the 14th, by an act prohibiting the exportation during the saraa
period, of any specie, or any goods, wares, or merchandise, under penalty
of forfeiture and a Soe often thousand dollars.
A declaration of war against Great Britain, of which the foregoing acts
were the precursors, was made by Congress, and approved 18th Jnne,
and proclaimed on the following day. On the 5th of the same month,
and before a knowledge of this act had reached England, the British
orders in conncil were repealed.
The commencement of hostilities called for appropriate fiscal measures
to sustain it, and after authorizing the issue of Ave millions of dollars
in treasury notes, a law was approved on the 1st Jnly; adding one
hnndred per centum to the permanent duties then levied upon imports,
with an additional ten per centum on goods imported in foreign vessels,
and $1.50 per ton additional on vessels owned wholly or in part by
foreigners. This act, which passed fay a vote of seventy-eight to forty-
sis, was to continue in force until the expiration of one year after tbs
conclusion of peace, bat was continued until June, 181G.
Through the combined effects of double duties, the ofastractiou and
spoliation of commerce, the prices of nearly all articles of prime necessity
immediately advanced. Between the 9th June and 13th July, byson tea
rose from 96 cents to $1.35 per lb. ; white Havana sngar from $H.75 to
$18.50 per cwt. ; Russia hemp advanced from $342.60 per ton, on 9th
June, to $300 on 10th August; and salt, between 1st May and 1st
August, from 55 to 85 cents per bushel, and continued to rise to $3 per
bushel in October 1814. Tin advanced from $25 per bar, on 1st May,
to $32 on 1st August, and rose to |50 in 1814. Merino wool rose in
price, between May and October, from 15 cents to $1.50 per pound, and
at the end of 1814 sold from $3 to $4 per pound. Cloth advanced from
$8 per yard in May 1812, to $14 in May 1814, and during the war to
$18 a yard.
Under the stimulus of high prices and a steady demand, capital and
entei-prise were again turned more powerfully than ever to the increasa
of manufactures, especially to those branches which were immediately
Bubservient to the war, or of which the want was most pressing. The
,y Google
1812] DOMESTIC EXPORT TKABE — BROADO^TH. 1V9
woolen anl cotton manufaetnres in particulir received a iLmiikiblo
exteoaioQ Aliny joint stoLk companies were forn ed and in common
with tlio'ic which hil been c tabl he 1 a few yeirs p'i t enjoyed &o I ng
as the war 05 erited as a piotei^t on an amj lo lemu leration f r their
expenditn ea nctw thatanding a use of twenty to fifty pei cent m the
wages of operat ves twu to three hunliel pci cent in mill seats,
andof maij riw mateiult. in the =an e imioition Great losses were
incuricd n manj instances thioue! the mcipacity and sometimes the
dishonebty of nechaiiitb and opeiatiyes
The aunuil value of domeat c exports of the United States calcalated
on an iveragp of ten )ears ending 0th Septembei amounted to
$31 4j4 5S3 and of foici^n merchandise re exported $S0 563 5r^ The
average annual value of domestic mai ufictures e'^po ted in the same
period wa'- $2 09G 000 or 6 51 per centum of all dimchtit. exports Ihe
produce of agriculture exported in the same time was $27,815,036, or
13.36 per cent, of the whole ; of the sea $2,124,242, or 6.59 per cent.,
and of the present $4,404,946, or 11.59 per cent. The total valne of
exports this year was $38,531,236.
The average annual value of domestic produce exported to Great
Britain and Iier dominions in tliG last ten years was $16,853,102, or
44.99 per centum of the whole, and the value so exported to France and
her dominions was $3,118,211, or 8.32 per cent, of the whole. The
total value of all articles of domestic and foreign origin exported to the
two countries in the same period were respectively 21.44 and 13.9 per
cent, of the whole value of exports.
The advantages and profits of this vastly more important trade with
Great Britain, was now placed in jeopardy by a war waged upon pretexts,
which would have been equally valid against France, and in support of
claims which were finally abandoned, so soon as Napoleon, wbose
intrigues had involved the two countries in hostilities, had been humbled
by Great Britain. The war was in' consequence extremely unpopular
with a large and influential class, who believed the difficulties might have
been adjusted without a resort to arras.
At the fair and cattle show of the Berkshire Agricultural Society,
held at Pittsfield, Mass., the prize of $50 was awai'ded to the president,
Elkauah Watson, Esq., for the best piece of broadcloth exhibited. It
was believed to be superior in all respects to any cloth ever made in
America, and probably any ever imported. One-half the piece was left
for inspection at the warehouse for American goods in Albany. The
first cloth mill of any size in Berkshire was this year erected by Mr.
L. Pomeroy, at PittsSeld, which was itself small, for several years era-
ploying but one set of machines, and five or six hand looms, and consuming
,y Google
■180 STATE OS THE "WOOLEN MAKUFACTURE — STIUM. [.1812
about 1 200 lbs of wool m the manufactnre of broadcloth. The first
power loom was not introdaced there until 1825 or 182fi.
The largest miuufactjiy of fine cloths and cassimeres in operation ia
New Bnglanri if not m the country at this date, was that of the Mid-
dletown Woolen Minufactarmg Compiny— Isaac Saiiford and others —
m Connecticut It was whullj employed on fine Spanish wool, which
yielded the beat piofltb and the steidieat sales. It made daily from
tbiity to foitj jirds of broadclath, which sild at nine and ten dollars a
yard bj the piece Tho mill employed one of Evans's steam engines, of
twenty fom hoise power which drove all the machinery for carding,
spinning leeling weavinf; washing fall ng dyeing, and finishing with
the aid of a brushing machine, as wcE as !oi warming tho building, etc.'
The dyeing depiitmeut was undei the management of a Mr. Partridge,
previously of Philadelphia a snpeiioi dyer from the west of Engknd.
The cloths were finished without the disagreeable gloss until recently
nearly universal with English cloths w 1 ch we e fi she 1 by hot pressing
Superfine cloths made fiym the first nported me owool and tho git
to compare favoiably with any impo ted were exposed fo sale at the
warelioHse of the Domestic Society n Phladeljl i The prol ct of
the factory was about tj bo doubled It was o longer found d ffie It
to obtain good woikmen m every biai h from an g tl own appren
ti ea or other Amencans Gig mills for tea 1 ng a d na[ p ng cloth
were erected to '.ome e'^tent m New England an 1 New "i rt in ] e e
driven by steim or watei , but hand ca ds were at 11 ed exclus vely n
Pennsylvania Some sixteen or eighteen j ate ts had been granted a
the country for ihearing cloth by steam or water powe several of wh cl
were muse H^nd sheiia had ilso been operated by water power.
Blankets weie at this time made in considerable quantity in that state,
as well as in Massachusetts The manufacture of blankets was greatly
expedited by a machine mvented and patented in April of this year, by
Elkanah Cobb, a native of Vermont, belonging to the United States
army, which enabled a single workman to make twelve blankets in a da.y.
(!) Oliver Evana, tha firal; ataain engine Iron Works of the builder, in Philadelphia,
builder in the United Stotes, had in opera- They porformed the Tsrions operations of
lion, in Februnry of this year, ten of his high sawing timber, grinding grain, drawing
pressure endues, considarad by many mora wire, grinding gloss, turning wood and
BoonomioalandeonTeniontfornifinufactorioa metals, ate., manufaoturing doth, and huild.
than Bolton & Walts. " Tliey wore from ten ing steam anginas and machinery. Ten
to twenty-five horse power, and ware em- others, most of them of greater powers, were
ployed, one in Florida, two in Louisiana, one buililing, or.ordered, for saw and grain mills,,
at Lexington, K7., one at Natcliei, Miaa., paper mills, rolUng mills, steamboats, etc.
one at Marietta, Ohio, two at Pittsburg, ono Btaokhouse i, Eogera built engines at Pitts,
at Middletown, Ct., and ona at the Mars burg, under JEvana'a patent.
,y Google
1813] WOOLEN AND COTTON TABRICa A NEW PLANT. 181
Nnmerona small factories for coarse woolen cloths were going into
operation in Hew England, and gonerally tlirougliout all the northern
sections of the Union ; unusnal activity and preparation was apparent in
the woolen branch. The first steam engine in Providence, R. I., one of
thirty horse power, built by Evans, was also put in operation this year
in the mill of the "Providence Woolen Manufacturing Company," con-
sisting of S. G-. Arnold, S, Dorr, J. S. Martin, and David Lyman,
whose factory occupied the present site of P. Allen & Co.'s Print Works,
The new woolen mill of E. I. Diipont&Co., near Wilmington, Del., was
said to be making woolens to the value of between $150,000 and $200,000
annually. The quantity of wool sheared in the United States, estimated,
from the imperfect retm'ns in 1810, at thirteen to fourteen millions of lbs.,
was this year tompntcd by Mr Coxe to be twentj to twenty two
millions, and by some still higher The proportion of fine wool was
rapidly increasing and no country piobibly ever witnessed so rapid a
change in the extent and quality of its locks as a few years effected in
the United States
As on former occasions when the United States had felt compelled to
refuse the manufactures of the princit al producing nation of Europe
and to draw upon itt, o\ n ret,ourLe'i for supplies the efforts of the cotton
and woolen mannfaLtuiciB wcii, aided by a geneial disposition of the
people of all classes to dress in homespun fabrics ; and the chief magistrate
is said to have set the example of wearing cloth made exclusively of
domestic wool in New England factories.
The cotton manufactures of Khode Island and adjoining states, in
common with the noolin bianch also received at this time its great
impul'ie as a result of the wai The village of Pawtucket already con-
tained twenty four cotton fictones atid upward of twenty thousand
spindlei An instance of the commendable regard for the moral interests
of the opeiatnes and their consequent efGciency, first introduced by
Mr Slater, and at this time conspicuously exhibited by the Humphreys-
Tille Woolen Compiny m ConnectLCiit was also shown this year by the
Messrs Wilkinson and other'! propnetois of the Porafret Cotton Factoi'y,
m the erection of a convenient buck edifice, as a school-house and place
of worship for the empIo)ees tnd their families.
Public attention was about this time first called by Mr. Charles Whit-
low, a nurseryman and florist, of New York, to a native filiaceous plant,
believed to be an nndescribed species of nettle, and therefore named, in his
honor, TTrtica Wkitlowi, the fibres of which were thought to bo superior
to either flax or hemp as a material for manufacture. The plant, a hardy
perennial, found in the low grounds of Orange co., N. Y., and Sussex
CO., N. J., where it had been for some time occasionally used in making
,y Google
182 WIUTLOW'a URTICA — PAPEK CAttPETS. [1812
thread, was described in the Baltimore Medical and Philosophical
Lyceum (vol. 1, No. 4). Mr. "Whitlow, who claimed to have first
discovered its useful properties, proposed, in a petition to Congress in
December 1811, to disclose to it the important diseoyery, in considera-
tion of being allowed to import by special license all such seeds, grains,
and plants aa he might desire, A special committee was appointed to
consider it, but was discharged without reporting. The subject was also
before the New York Legislature, and experiments were instituted by the
Mayor and corporation of New York. In January of this year Mr.
"Whitlow was granted a patent by the United States, and sold the
privilege of using it to the Agricultural Society of Sonth Carolina for
$300. Similar offers were made to the trustees of the Massachusetts
Society for Promoting Agriculture, and probably others. A company
was the next year incorporated in New York, to manufacture tlie fibre,
which had been previously spun into six hank yam, valued at $11 a pound,
with a yield of fifty per cent. An acre was estimated to produce 1,000
lbs. (in its native soil), and 500 lbs. of dressed fibre suitable for six hank
yarn. Acertifieate from several mannfactnrers of flax, hemp, and cotton,
represented it as supenor in quality and productiveness to any flax or
hemp they had ever seen, A tract of meadow twenty miles wide,
throughoat the western counties of New York, known as the " Holland
Purchase," abounded in this species of Urtica, which had also been found
in Maine. It has never yet superseded the annuals hemp and flax, but
attention has been again directed to it recently, as worthy of cultivation,
for properties which it possesses in common with other species of nettle,
hops, etc.'
Francis Guy, of Baltimore, introduced this year a new kind of carpet,
made of common paper hangings, which, it was thought, would prove as
durable as canvas floor cloth, and be much more beautiful, and fifty per
cent, cheaper. It was patented in 1819, but a specification of the
(1) As aarly as 1160 the Societj of Arta
ei.en his attention t
o it since IVaS. Ho
was the next year aw
arded by the Society
fiom Iiop stales or bines, wbich nne at-
jimona of yarn, paper.
tempted Ibe nsit yeaf by a Mr. Cooksey.
etc., from the nettle,
and in 1811, har-
In irS6 the Society renewed the offer of ii
ing much eitendod
his eiperimentf, was
gold medal or twenty pounds for such oloth,
awarded the eUver lai;
s medal of the Society
which was then made in Sweden. Xn 1803
for samples of cloth HI
id cordage madeiVom
tlie Society of Bcouoiuy Bt Haarlaam offered
the same plant. The
same society, in 1816,
prizes for tlie beat memoir on tlie uae of
,B silver medal for a
nettles for ololh, etc., and in 1S09 Mr.
method of preserving
potatoes for sea stores
Edward Smith, of Erentwood, in Esses,
or for transportation.
by pnoking them in
mada two oommunicadoES to the London
barrels with dry sani
Society on the use of the stinging neltis
Ah,, toIb. 3, pp. «8,
141; 28, p. 109; 2S,
{TJ. BioicoHt), for snch pnrposcs, having
p. 81; 33, p. 196.
i.Google
1813] PKOORESS 01" MANUFACTUaBS — IROH. 183
iuvention was filed as early as 1806, since wMch time he had beeu
engaged in perfecting and testing the value of the article. It was
intended principally for summer use.
A communication addressed by Mr. Coxe to the Secretary of the
Treasury, on 8th December 1812, and printed with the digest, contained
gome interesting facts and statements based upon the census and other
official returns and documents. These sources of information enabled
him to state with confidence that American manufacturers in their
demand for raw material had greatly surpassed the abilities of the
planter, farmer, landholder, and miner, to supply wool, flax, hemp, hides,
and skins of domestic animals, and the varions metals, and the same was
true of the crude sugai-s and molasses of Louisiim considered as a r«tw
material for refiners and distillers. F m f ty t fifty 11 f p d
of the first five articles had for 1 y
from abroad as raw materials. H mp t
i-egolarly imported, notwithstand g t
the great and sudden increase in th g th (
It was "an impressive fact tl t m ft
agriculture in most instances tt w
material. The number of Ame rti le
exports from the United States, n sfo t h
about seventy were manufactures f th try
Gold and silver wares were mal ffl
present workmen could make fo f g
exported by any nation of Europ Tl
leaf had been recently introdue 1 \ 1
York. Boilers and other machi y
and other manufactures of the fin m t 1
The most weighty fact respe t th m f t w tl t
instead of exporting iron as-th y 1 d f ra 1} d tl y 11
obtain enough of pig metal and b ttfytl{,td (,
demand of labor-saving mills d m h d f th m
handicraft workmen. They had d th p f b th
Revolution, from sixty to one h d d d t d U tl t lb
manufacture of common steel, i w d 1 d t 1 1 1 tly
advanced since 1810. Edged to 1 w tl mil 11 d t tly
1% recent improved process. Bat t tt t as d 1 1 t fi
rnannfactures, such as cutlery, fin t 1 t h i j, t PI
tical preparations were made to the number of seventy. The recent
employment of children and females in manufacturing operations, the
improved means of communication and correspondence, the extension of
sound bank facilities to manufactures, the introduction of new and exotic
1
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P t
1
bl m
t A
d y d ty p
dm f
t f
tt
Am
t
ti
1
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the
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i.Google
18i AKTIPIOIAL GLOBES — COPPEHAS — EMERY — GLASS. [1812
raw materials, of laborers, artizans, and manuractnrers, and of new
processes in every branch, were among tire evidences of progi'ess.
The first Artificial Globes manufactnred in tlie rnited States were made
about this time at Bradford, Orange co., Vt., by James Wilson.
At BtralTord, in the same county, 80Ut) lbs. of copperas were made in
ISIO by the Termont Mineral Factory Company, which early in this
year petitioned Congress for a dnty on the foreign article, under the
belief that they conid snpply the whole Union, from inexhanstible beds of
pyntlns iron, in that town and Shrewsbury. The manufacture of copperas
was also commenced this year on the Mogolhy river, in Maryland, by
Eichard Colton, Esq., and others. About three years after the
manufacture of alum was added at this place, by a Society incorporated
in 1818, with whom was associated the eminent mineralogist and
crystaliographer, Dr. Girard Troost, who about this time superintended
llie chemical laboratory of Mr. Wetherell, and was a principal agent in
founding the Acadamy of Katural Sciences in Philadelphia. Copperas
was also made during the war at Pequannock, Morris co., N. J., from
the sulphureB of Copperas Mountain. But the principal domestic
supply, for the states east of the Alleghanies, was for many years
derived from the Termont Works, which have since produced as
much as one thousand tons a year of copperas, preferred by the dyers
to any other.
The manufacture of Emery, an article of much value in cotton, woolen,
glass, steel, and lapidary works, was also commenced at this time, when
about to become scarce and dear. It was first attempted by PUny Barlo
& Brothers, card makers, of Leicester, Moss. The business was also
about to be commenced by Gilbert J. Hunt, of I*ew York. The
material, cornndum, and simiiap minerals, was thought to be abundant
in granite and other primitive rocks, particularly near Haddam Ct
Chestnut Hill, Pa., Baltimore, Md., and Lake George, S. T.
In couseriuence of the scarcity of Pins, which this year rose in price
to one dollar per paper by the package, the manufacture of them was
commenced by some Engheh pin-makers, wlio brought the necessary
implements, and estaUished themselves at the State Prison, in Greenwich,
N. Y. , under the management of a person named Haynes. He occupied
a part of the Almshouse, at Belleville, and contracted for pauper labor;
but the business was abandoned on the return of peace. It was resumed
about 1820, with the use of the same tools, by Eichard Putman, who
carried it on at considerable loss for a year or two, wbeu he died, and
the manufacture was given up.
The first Phut Glass works on a largo scale were this year estabBshed
at Pittsburg. Preparations were also made for the same business at
i.Google
1812] EuaR STONES — LOUISIANA SEQAR — COAL. 185
Boston, wliere a large factory went into operation about four years lator.
Mr. Carucs, wlio is still engaged in the badness in South Boston
commenced tire manufacture tliis year. '
A domestic supply ol "Burr" milistoncs, for the western country was
found in an extensiye quarry of cellular and amorphous ,uam, opened
near the iicad of Eaccoon creek, Athens Co., Ohio. It was considered
identical in composition with the French curb stone.' The first pair
were put in the steam four mill of the Marietta Mill Company started
m Jannary by Messrs. Oilman, Barber, Skinner, Fearing & Putnam, who
afterward added woolen machinery. Large steam saw and «onr mills
were also erected this year at Cincinnati and Louisyille. The first iron
castings were made at the latter place this year by Paul Skidmore whose
successors, Prentiss k Bakewell, In 1816, added the manufactnre of steam
engines for steamboats and factories.
Lonisiana was this year admitted into the Uniom It produced
10,000,000 ibs. of sugar, and iio.OOO bales of cotton were slilpped from
New Orleans.
The scarcity of Yirginia coal, which up to this time had been the
principal source of domestic supply, led to renewed experiments with the
feilDSylvamil mithraoite, which had lately been analyzed and was em
ployed in the roiling mill of Mr. Joshn, Malln, near Pbii.d.lphia a, well
«s m some priynte houses. The first anthracite from Pottsville reached
the city this year, from the Centreyille mines, and was sold for the cost
of transportation The first coal stove in tli, borough of Beading .a,
introduced by Wm. Stable, stone co.l baring been brought to that
place about the same time by Marks John Biddlo. Tlic avaiiahiiity of
•nthracit. for manufacturing purposes was more fully estabBsIicd about
this time by Messrs. White & Hanard, wire drawers, at the Palls of Schnyl-
kill A memorial which they and others presented to tlie Legislature to
obtam a law for the improvement of the Schuylkill river, and nrgine
among the induecments, the cod deposits at its head waters, is said to
have drawn from the senator from Schuylkill county a declaration that
there was no coal there, only a " black stone" called coal, which would not
bum. So nttle was then known of this vast mineral resource and
manufacturing agent.
TIic now lourishing city of Eochcster, N. Y., dates its existence from
(1) Bnrp millstonos hnd been made of
&«,!. .1..., 1. PMLd,,,,,,,, I, „„„, .„„,.„, „-.toj„. i„j;;i;;7;;;
Evans for aomo years. There was also, in o -
I8I0, a tnanufaetoty in Bahimero. The c
fiaopna millstones of New York wore also
ig tho year I;
gone hut
3,276,319 tons in Sehajlkjll
i.Google
186 BOCHESTEil — PERPETUAL MOTION — KAILROABS. [1812
ti J 1 1 t w fi 1 1 1 t d il a t f 11 use, bridge,
mitt d p t £E t ] t 1 U lot on west
1 f tl G I h 1 1 J b f bj H" tl 1 Rochester,
vi&s fit I d Tl II g had i lie th St te Directory,
] bl 1 1 tl t y 1 was t p t d b ntil 131T.
Ih d dt!p fmjml imaof science
d b!y d b t tl t 1 y th p t led eolation
ftlTtpblmfpptl t A 1 ennsylTania
drihfi ir 1 dff tptftlU a ingenious
t hhbjytmf git dhl I ostensibly
If 1 pp 1 t tl w y lly t p i t ate ita own
motion, and brought the inyentor a rich harvest at one dollar a bead.
The momentum was, liowever, derived from another source, and the art
lay in effectually concealing its origin from the incredulous, while the
multitude were put on the wrong pursuit by the visible mechanism. The
celebrated Jacob Perldns, at this time engaged io constructing machinery
for boring cannon and other improvements iu artillery, and in pyrotechny,
etc., at once detected the inadequacy of the visible mechanism, and
ordered a saw passed through a certain part which ia supposed to
Jiave concealed a seci'st cord. Eut the exhibitor refused the test.
Kobert Pidton also consented to visit the machiDe in New York, and by
his ear soon discovered the agency of a crant, by tbe unequal motion
produced. He charged the showman with imposture, and proceeded to
demonstrate it by demolishing a portion of the wall of the room, through
which a catgut string, leading from the machine, was traced to a remote
cock-loft, where an aged man sat nnconscionsly turning a crank. The
deluded crowd demolished the apparatus, and the proprietor soon dis-
appeared.
In the early part of this year Col. John Stevens, of Hoboken, N. J.,
published a memoir entitled " Documents tending to prove the Superior
Advantages of Railways and Steam Carriages over Canal Navigation."
The use of a steam carriage to transport one hundred tons of produce
from Lake Erie to Albany, a distance of one .hundred miles, at a cost of
fifty cents per ton (the expense by canal being estimated at $3 per
ton), was described in the pamphlet seventeen years before Mr. Stephen-
son built the first effective locomotive in England. The advantages of
railways had been previously urged by Stevens, upon both the canal com-
missioners of New York, and the United States government.
The first cotton mill at Fall River, Mass., then colled Troy, was this
year erected by a company incorporated by the name of the Fall River
Company. The Troy Manufacturing Company was also chartered, and
proceodcd to erect another factory at the same place. A third factory was
,y Google
1812] COEFORATIONS — WrsK CAKDS — TROY. 187
built there in 1821, aed two more tlib following year. The James Eiver
Cotton Mannfacturing Company, at Kingston, was in eorp orated.
The "Waltham Cotton and Woolen Mannfacturing Company,"
with a capital of $450,000, was also incorporated. This, and the
"Boston Manufacturing Company," chartered the next year, with large
factories on the Charles river, at Waltham, were among the most
extensive and prosperous in the country at the close of the war, and for
many years after. The Monson .Woolon Manufacturing Company, in
Hampden county, was also incorporated.
The unexampled increase of cotton and woolen factories, aiid the
consequent demand for cards,' led to tho establishment of the New
York Manufacturing Company, incorporated in June of this year, with
a capital of $800,000, of which $300,000 was to be employed in manufac-
turing cotton and woo! cards and erecting the necessary buildings, and
the remainder in banking. The patent right and machinery of the
Messrs. Whittemore was purchased on 20th Jnly, for $120,000, and
buildings were commenced with formal ceremonies, on New York Island.
The new impulse given to manufaetnres by tlie war, gave the company
active and proBtable employment, until the large importations, which
followed the peace, compelled the factories to stop, and with them the
demand for cards. In 1813 theentiremannfactaringproperty wassold to
Messrs. S. &T. Whittemore, brother and son of the inventor, the former
of whom carried it on many years, while the original company, with in-
creased capital, assumed the name of tlie "Phoenix Bank," which still
survives. On l.ho expiration of the patent, in 1835, the machinery,
built in part by the inventor, returned, after an absence of twenty-five years,
to the possession of his son in West Cambridge, where the elder Whitney
died, in 1828, and where the business is still conducted by the family.
The following companies and associations were also incorporated in
New York the present year, under the general act : — The Steuben
Woolen, the Nassau, the Verbank, the Walloomsock, the Farmers and
Mechanics, and the Broadalbin Woolen Manufacturing, the Troy Wool
and Cotton Factory,' and the Orange Factory. Special charters were
(1) Thace]ebriitedWillianiCobbett,inhis oonak
Baaay on the Regonoy, t led th t h h a t t
been credibly informed Ih t th aJ T lb
ootton and wool caniB sli pp d f m L d
pool to Amerioa., in 1810 t ppl th wig
mannfaotures oreatod by th mh d t
non-iHtaroouree acta, e d d tb I P P
Talue of cloths exported tb f m th
counties ot Somerset an I It h k
(2) ThevlUagaofTro 1 lyp d
anufaol
Wring
indoatry, at-
water
power.
tory, sa
varal i
[■aotory, epadn
iiul works, a
d ROI
.Ian fa
Btory (above
d gm
aehine,
fulling mUl,
pewnlk.
, a distillery.
d saw
mills.
etc., and two
i.Google
188 PATENTS — FAMILY , SPINNTNa. [1812
granted to the Butternuts Woolen and Cotton Factory, the ^few York
Marble, tiie United Stutes Lead Mining and Manufacturing, the Dutchess
County Slate, the Clason Woolen, the Onondoga Manufacturing, and
the Cambridge Farmers' Woolen, Companies and Associations.
Two hundred aad tliirty-aeven patents were issued this year, a eou-
siderable number of which were for apparatus for spinning, weaving, and
other processes in the manufacture of wool, cotton, flax, and hemp.
Upward of a dozen were for spinning machineiy, among which was a
portable or family spinning machine, of very simple construction, invented
and patented (April 21) by Rev. Burgiss Allison, of Philadelphia.' It
drove ten to fifteen spindles, and occupied very little more space than the
common spinning wheel. It spun wool to any fineness required, and could
be used for cotton if previously carded into rolls. Improvements in the
loom also engaged much attention, at this time, on account of the great
impulse given to manufactures in England by the power loom, the construc-
tion of which was stiil a secret, and its exportation, as well as of all models,
drawings, etc., forbidden. Among those who labored to produce a
power-loom were Judge Daniel Lyman, of Providence, and Mr. R 0.
Lowell, of Mass. Mr. Lowell had just returned from a residence in
Europe, where he had conceived the idea of an extensive prosecution of
the cotton manufacture in the United States, auch as he had witnessed
abroad, with all the recent appliances, including the power loom. Having,
In connection with his brother-in-law, Mr. Patrick T. Jackson, set himself
to the invention of such an engine, he produced, in the autumn of this
year, after many failures and experiments, a working model of a power
loom. They secured the services of an able mechanician, Mr. Paul
ea ■years old, a epinnlng maehine, for wool, of
IB, Bis epindles, which cost $10, anotker epin-
■6, Bing niaohinB of twelvo spindles, costjng
■m about S35,forootton, and a loom withBying
tn Blinftle, w * '
partionlaily in country pacts remote tVom
ths larger faotoriea, and in tho Southern
States, Billies ofirrying twelve spindles, to
epin fourteen cuts to the pound, or by spin-
ning a eecond time, tnentf cuts, nere made
smd sold in Philadelphia for Hi each, by
Joseph Bamford, 5 Filbert St., who alEO
id miiobinery for largo establish -
Haariy every second farm bousa
hivd also its hand-Sooo]. We learn from
British
letters written this year by Mr. Jefferaon to
grants .
GenL Kosoiuako, and to Mr. Melish, whose
S.^muel
"Travels" showed the same system of
spinner,
hoasebold industry to pervade the Western
the dou
Btntes, thttt he employed a carding maehine
Britain
costing m, and worked by a girl t«elvo
five mill
twenty yai
This maohiDery, which cost him $150,
worked by two women and two girls, was
more than sufficient to make the ueeessi^
coarse fabrics for his farms, some 20110 yards
annually. Many priitate families did mnoh
more than ha in that way, and ho soon after
doubled the number of his spindles. The
Parliament this year rewarded with
of Gve th oil sand pounds each, Mr.
I Crompton, the inventor of the male
r, and Mr. Wright, the inventor of
,y Google
1812] PATENTED IWVBMTIOHH. 189
Moody, of Amesbary, to build the machine (which they patented in
1815), and with the Erst efScicnt American power loom proceeded to
carry out their project, at Waltham, where they erected a cotton mill
the ensuing year.
Some eight or ten patents were issued this year for looms of varioua
kinds, including one to John Thorp, of Providence (March 38), for a hand
and power loom; to Cyrus Shepherd, Philadelphia (April 2T), for a
water loom; and one to J, and Eozanna Sizer, New London, Ct.
(Oct. 21), for a loom for weaving feathered cloth. Patents were also
granted to Enoch Leonard, of Canton, Mass. (Jan. 6), for making steel
from pig-iron ; two to Morris B. Belknap, GreenSeld, Ma.ss. (Jan. 16 and
June 13), for a machine for cutting flies iind sickles, which cut from five
to six dozen twei™ inch files daily ; also to Charles Hesser and Amos
Passon, of Philadelphia (April 11), and to WiUiam T. James, of
Greenwich Vi ish gt n co., N. Y. (Nor. 19), for file cutting. The
latter was pat n oj on at Union Tillage, where an ingenious
manufactory of files and of cast steel existed at this time. Files were
also exten ly n ade n Philadelphia. Charles Whitlow, New York
(Jan. 11) f a plan applicable to yarioua uses; TJri K. Hill,
New York (reb. 1). types for music; Daniel Waldron, New York
(March i), manufacturing fish glue (icthyocoUa) ; Melien Battle, Herki-
mer, N. Y. (March 27), a rotary steam engine ; William Dunn, Boston
(April 1), preparing magnesia ; Elkanah Cobb, Georgetown, D, C.
(April 39), making blankets; Robert U. Richards, Norfolk, Ct.
(May 23), manufactnring boots and shoes with wooden pegs, screws,
etc. ; E. Hazzard and Joseph White, Philadelphia (May 35), cutting
screws ; James Howell, Philadelphia (June 11), rolling wire ; also to J.
T, & Thomas Walden, New York (Oct. 6), and to John J. Staples,
Flushing, N. Y. (Oct, 31), for drawing wire; B. Gordon, Philadelphia
(June 26), a rolling press for edge tools ; Richard Marden, New York
(Aug. 21), mannfactaring oil of vitriol ; William Edwards, Northampton,
Mass., three patents, viz. (Oct. 19), one for tanning, and one for the roller
for preparing leather, and (Dec. 80) one for tanning sole leather. These
were all capital improvements of Mr. Edwards. The rolling machine,
particularly, is still in use in nearly its original form, and gives to leather
the finishing process, by which it acquires that smoothness of surface and
solidity of testnre pecnliar to hammered leather.
Congress authorized, January 2d, four ships of war, of seventy-four
1813 ^^°^ ^^^' ^'^ °* forty-four guns, and sis sloops of war, to be
built, equipped, and commissioned, and as many sloops or armed
vessels as the public service miglit require on the lakes, to be procured.
,y Google
190 EMPOUIUM OF ARTS— mease's ARCHIVES — COPPBE WORKS. [18IS
equipped, and commisBioned. An appropnation of $100,000 was made
for the erection of a public dockyard for the repair of public vessels.
The President was also empowered, July 5th, to canse to be bnilt as many
barges, not less than forty-seven feet long, capable of carrying heavy guns,
as the service might require.
A second series of the " Emporium of Arts and Sciences," commenced
in May of the last year, under tlie coudnct of Dr. John Redman Cose^
Professor of Chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania, was begun,
in February, to be managed by Dr. Thomas Cooper, Professor of
Chemistry, lifatural Philosophy, and Mineralogy, in Dickinson College,
Pennsylvania. It was devoted to the publication of practical papers
on manufactures and the arts from the more scarce and voluminous
among foreign publications, and of original essays, many of tliem by the
editor. It was the means of diffusing much scientiic and practical
information, particularly in relation to the chemical and metallurgic
arts, at a time when it was needed to enable American manufactures
to participate in the progress of science, then becoming a powerful
auxiliary to practical knowledge in other countries. The prospectus of
Professor Cooper advanced a mimber of strong arguments in favor of
the encouragement of manufactures, as a means of supplying a home
market for agriculture, and of lessening the dependence upon, and
indebtedness to foreign manufactures. Protecting duties, to aid their
introduction, and afford a reasonable safety to capital and industry, he
regarded as expedient, a position which he appears afterward to have
abandoned, when, as President of Columbia College, SouLh Carolina, he
became one of the ablest champions of a free trade system.
The Archives of Useful Knowledge, edited by Dr. James Mease, of
Philadelphia, which completed its third volume this year, also performed
a useful service as an instructor in science and the practical arts.
There were at this date, as appears by petitions and communications
addressed to Congress by Joseph Revere, of Boston, and Levi Hollings-
wortb, of Maryland, asking for a duty on copper imported in sheets and
bolts, three manufactories of sheet copper, bolts, rods, spikes, etc. ; those
of the Messrs. Revere, which made about three tons per week, the Gun-
powder Copper Works of Mr. HoUingswoilh, ten miles from Baitimore,
and that, of Mr. Livingston, in New York. The last two were capable
of making each about 100 tons per annum. They coald each double the
amount of their product if it were waiTanted, The quantity of crude
copper annually imported was about four hundred tons, clnefly from the
western coast of South America, Bnenos Ayres, Caraccas, Mexico, and
the Levant.
An act was passed, February 35, imposing a dnty on iron wire im-
,y Google
1813] TROQKESe OF MANUFAOTUEES — WAK TAXES. 101
ported equal l,o that on iron, steel, or brass, and other munufactQroa of
iron,
Mr. Tench Cose completed. May 1, by order of the Secretary of tlic
Treasm-y, and conformably to a resolution of Oougress, a digest of the
ceusnsretnrns on the subject of mannfactuves in 1810. A careful estimale
of all the facts witJiin his knowledge, convinced him that, notwithstanding
an interrupted importatioD of certain raw materials, the several branclie.^
of manufactures bad advanced, since the autumn of 1810, at the full rat*
of twenty per cent. The whole population, taken at 8,000,000 of
persons, he estimated would produce in the current year an aggregate
value of manufactures, exclusive of doubtful articles, of $200,000,000, or
£45,000,000 sterling. The State of New York had partaken most
largely in the increase, especially by her joint stock companies, and by
reason of emigration from the Eastern States. The general result
fornished a gratifying comparison with the product of English manufac-
tures, which, in 1187, when the population of England aloue was about
the same as that of the ITnited States at this time, or 8,500,000,
were computed at $266,000,000. This state of manufactures had been
in a great measure attained by the United States in the thirty years since
the completion of its independence, and with ocly an incidental support
from government, white England had been hundreds of years progressing
under many forms of govei-nmental aid.
A sample of sugar, made from the butternut or white walnut tree, by
Jonathan Pearson and Moses P. Gray, of Epsom, N. H., was presented
to the Ma.'isaohusetts Agricultural Society. The yield was at the rate
of one and a quarter pounds from nine quarts of sap, or greater than
that of the sugar maple. The trustees recommended a critical test of
the sugar-producing qualities of the white walnut, sugar having be-
came scarce and dear.
Congress imposed, July 2i, the following internal duties to be paid
during the war, and nntil the expiration of one year thereafter, viz : on
all public and private carriages, annual rates varying from two to twenty
dollars each, on all sugars refined in the United States, four cents a
pound, with the privilege of drawbacks on exportation to the amount
of $12 ; on sales at auction, one per cent., except on sales of ships or
vessels, which was one quarter of one per cent. ; on stills or other imple-
ments employed in distOling domestic materials, a change from nine
cents per gallon on the capacity of the still, for every two weeiis, to one
hundred and eight cents a year — half these rates when employed in distill-
ing roots ; upon stills employed on foreign materials, the rate was from
twenty-five cents per month to one hundred and thirty-five cents per annum
for each gallon of the capacity. In all cases in which steam was em-
,y Google
192 SALT. DUTY AND MANUPACTTJRE^riTTSliCIRa. [1813
ployed, the rates were double. Dnties were also laid, August 2, on all
bank and promissory notes, bills of exchange, etc.
An iropost doty of twenty cents on the bushel of fifty-sis lbs. was laid,
July 21, on all foreign salt ijnpoi-ted during the same period, and a
bounty of twenty cents a barrel on picltled fish exported, together with
an allowance of $2. 40 to $4 per ton, according to siae, to vessels engaged
in the bank or cod Gsherie.s. This act was continued indefinitely in 1816,
and while in force greatly promoted the manufacture of salt, which, since
the dnty was taken off, in 180T, had sold in New York from fifty cents
to one dollar a bnshel .for Turks island. The manufacture was much
extended in Massachusetts, which state, after the repeal of the former
duty, had exempted its salt works from taxation. The increased price of
salt, occasioned by the war, and the inability to obtain it from the New
York salines, led this year to the first manufacture of salt on the Cone-
raangh and Kiskiminetas, in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. William John-
ston succeeded in penetrating the solid rock, on the bank of the Cone-
maugh, near the mouth of the Loyalhanna, where numerous salt springs
indicated a supply, and at the depth of four hundred and fifty feet, struck an
abundant fountain. Having erected furnaces, pans, and other apparatus,
he was soon able to make about tiiirty bushels daily, which sold at a high
price, and induced many others to engage in the business. The pumps
were at first worked by horse power, and afterward by small steam
engines. The salt works of Onondaga, N. Y., in 1810, consisted of
125 blocks, with 1,010 kettles, and produced 435,840 bushels of salt.
The state was this year estimated to yield 100,000 bushels. Salina
village contained eighty salt works or houses, and Liverpool, three miles
below, thirty-five salt works, in addition to the middle works, and some
detached ones..
Pittsburg, in addition to large quantities of ironmongery and coarse
hardware, japanned and tinwares, white metal buttons, etc., made for the
western country, contained at this time iive glass factories in the town,
producing flint and green glass to the amount of $160,000 ; two large
iron foundries (MeClurg's A Beelen's), which cast about six hundred tons
a year, worth $54,000, and a small one for casting butt-hinges, carried on
by Mr. Price ; an extensive edge tool and cutlery manufactory, by Brown,
Barker & Butler ; a steara manufactory of shovels, spades, scythes, etc.,
by Poster & Murray ; one rolling mill, by C. Cowan, erected this year,
with a capital of $100,000 ; a lock and coffee mill factory, commenced the
I^t year hy James Patterson, an Englishman ; a factoi? for files and door
handles, etc., by Updegvaff; two steam engine works, Stockhouse's and
Rogers & Tustin's ; one steel furnace, by Tnper & McKowan ; a wool card-
ing machine factory, by James Cnramins ; one woolen factory, by James
,y Google
1813] STEEBOTYHMO— LEAD PENCILS — IRON-^SILK. 103
Arthurs ; ouo flannel and blanket factory, by Goorgo Cochrane ; one
cloth steam machino factory, by Isaac Wiekersham j two manufactories
of stirrup irons and bridle bits ; one wheel iron factory, by Stevenson &
Youard ; one wire mill, by Eiclibaum & Sous; one button factory, by
llcubcn Keal ; one knitting needle factory, by Frithy & Pratt ; two silver
platers, B. Kindrichs and Mr. Ayers; a morocco factory, by Scully &
Graham ; one white lead factory, by Beelen ; a suspender factory, bj Wm.
Gore ; one brass foundry ; three coopers ; a tronk factory, by I. M. Stevens ;
a brash factory, Blair's ; six saddle factories ; two breweries ; a steam
flax mill ; a ropewalk, by John Irwin & Co. ; eleven copper factories ; and
three plane factories. The curriers' kuives, made in Philadelphia, were
deelareij by the curriers to be equal to the best imported.
The first Stereotyping in America was done this year in New York,
by D. & G. Bruce, at their fonndry, William street, near Exchange Place,
oud also by John Watts, who issued the Assembly of Divines' Catechism,
believed to have been the first issue of the American press from stereotype
plates. The Messrs. Bruce, in 1815, stereotyped the first Bible in
America.
A manufactory of blacklead Pencils, of excellent quality, was in opera-
tion at Granville, Washington co., N. Y. The manufacture was
commenced in B"ew York city, within four or five years after, at which
date graphite, or Plumbago, was stated, by Professor Cleveland, to exist
in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ehodo Island, Connecticnt,
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. The
mountains of Essex and Clinton co., N. Y., were known to have nearly
inexhaustible quantities, and Tieonderoga now maies many tons of black
lead yearly.
Essex county at this time had fifteen bloomeriea for making bar iron,
besides several anchor shops, trip hammers, etc. Extensive iron works
and a woolen factory were this year erected on the Au Sable, at Keese-
ville, four miles west of Lake Champlain, by Richard and Oliver Keese
and John W. Anderson. These and neighboring works in the Adirondac
region, have produced iron of a superior quality, much of which has
been made into nails, horse-shoes, edge-tools, machinery, and merchant
iron direct from the ore. Tieonderoga at this time contained a broom
manufactory, carried by water, by which one man made one hundred
brooms daily.
The town of Scipio, Cayuga county, produced about 2,500 skeins of
sewing silk. The white mulberry was introduced there, by Samuel
Chidsey, at its first settlement. During the war, about this time, he sold
sewing silk to the amount of $600 in a year.
The charter of the East India Company having expired, the trade with
13
,y Google
194 COTTON IN INDIA AND TJ. S. — WOOLEN MANUFACTURES. [1813
British India was tlirown open to the public under certain restrictions.
The cnltivation of cotton in that countiy, for exportation, had for many
years been encouraged by the British public. In view of a rapture with
the United States, in 1809, tliese efforts were renewed by the Society of
Arts and other agencies, with such energy as to produce an exportation
of thirty millions of pounds to England, but were again relaxed on the re-
sumption of commerce with the United States. During the present year,
American cleaning machines were introduced at Tiunivally, in the
Carnotic, where a Mr. Hughes had succeeded. in producing Bourbon
cotton, with more success than in Bengal. Experimental farms,
established five years after by the government of Madras, demonstrated
the possibility of raising cotton of fair quality on the Coromandel coast,
over one hundred and fifty miles from the sea.
The average price of cotton at its place of exportation in the United
States was this year twelve cents per pound, including all kinds, and the
quantity exported was about 19,400,000 lbs. The low price of material,
and the high price of manufactured cotton, was favorable to the increase
and profits of manufacturers.
The manufacture of woolen cloths continued to engage a large share
of attention, Many factories wore employed upon army and nayy
cloths, blanliets, negro clotis, and other coarse fabrics, but the manufac-
ture of broadcloths received an increased amount of attention. Mr.
Bapp's colony, at Harmony, Pa., had, two years before, a flock of one
thousand sheep, one-third of them merinos, and manufactured broad and
narrow cloths, considered as good as any made in England. They could
sell their best broadcloths, as fast as made, at ten dollars a yard. Tlie
Society then consisted of eight hundred persons, and had increased, by
extraordinary industry, its original stock, since 1804, from |20,000 to
$220,000.
An extensive broadcloth factory was this year erected at Walcottville,
Ct., in which GoTernor Walcott of that state was a principal owner.
Another manufactory of woolen cloths was established at Goshen, in the
same county, by Louis M. Norton, and two associates, with a capital of
$6,000, of which upward of one half was expended in its erection. They
purchased wool at $1.50 per ponnd, and sold broadcloths, which, at the
present day, would probably not bring over one dollar per yard, for
eight to twelve dollars, one invoice of 1T8^ yards, having sold for the
sumof $1,769,33, and another, of 255 yards, for $3,651. 15, or upwards of
ten dollars a yard. Notwithstanding the high prices obtained for their
cloth, this fittle factory did not long survive the peace, and in common
with many others, succumbed to the immense influx of English cloths
which followed. It settled up, with the loss of its capital and three times
i.Google
1813] EEOABCLOTII IFACTORIES— CHELMSFORD. 196
as much more, IniSeed, the charge of extortion, afterward advanced
against the manufacturers of this period, on account of the prices obtained
for their manufactures, had probably little foundation in fact, the
advance in the price of raw materials, labor and expenses, having been
greater than in the price of cloth. Broadcloths rose the next year to
fourteen dollars per yard, and during the war were as high as eighteen
dollars a yard, but wool also advanced in the next year to three and
four dollars a pound, and indigo to four dollars a pound. As the labor
of mechanics was scarce because everywhere employed to the utmo'^t
th t b 1 th t th I t g f p ht t d
t tl th 1 t I tl d tl t ft lly
tl h t th d d t m k t p fit tl tl m t J
a 1 f It 1 1 by I tl h was t f d B t tl
p ill { 11 I g 1 th g I P P ty g t
Athwluftywblt GInd gthw adth
I th d bj tl t fact th 1 g tly f t tl f th
I tlybt d d bll Iptt fd bJtyfi
and elegance of style. The coauty (Litchfield), m 1819, contained eight
woolen and four cotton factories, fifty carding machines, and forty-six
cloth dressing establishments. It was also the scat of an extensiTe iron
manufacture, having thirty-nine forges, many of them large, beside
various minor branches of industry.
One of the earlieet broadcloth mills in Massachusetts was about this
time erected by E. H. Derby, of Salem, wlio, two years before, shipped
at Lisbon a flock of eleven hundred merino sheep, of the Montarco breed,
of which two-thirds reached New York, and were sent to his farm at
Ten Hills, near Boston. A company was incorporated for the manu-
facture of woolens, at Billingham, Mass., with a capital of |iOO,000.
The woolen manufactures of the country were still insufScient to meet
the sudden demand for articles suitable for the army and navy, and the
government was compelled, in the course of the year, to purchase of
foreign manufacturers, chiefly British, at the cuixent high prices, naval
and army cloths, blankets, etc., to the valne of ^593,01 6. Large
quantities also found entrance into the country through clandestine
channels.
Cotton was this year manufactured by Pfiineas Whiting and Josiah
Fletcher, in Chelmsford, Mass., the eastern part of which is now the
city of Lowell. They erected, at a cost of about $3,000, a large wooden
factory, on the Concord river, at Wamesit Fads, and live years after
transferred the building and water privilege to Thomas Hurd, who
erected a brick edifice, and converted both into a woolen factory, which
run fifty power looms, and in 1826 was bnrned and rebuilt on a larger
,y Google
I9G ORIQIN OP EOWEIIi — POWER-LOOM WEAVING. [1813
scale. In 1828 it became tlie property of tho Middlesex Company, and
Fletelier, Whiting & Co, transferred their basicess to Northbridge,
Worcester county.
The most interesting event of this year was the incorporation, in
February, of the Boston Manufacturing Company, and the comple-
tion, late in the year, of a cotton manufactory at Waltham, Mass.,
with about seventeen hundred spindles, in which the successful use of the
power loom and nil the operations for converting raw cotton into finialied
cloth, were for the first time introdaced i tl' t y an 1 j obably in
the world. Cotton mills in tl TJn t d fet t p t th t had been
principally for spinning, the w a g b g d 1 wl in hand
looms, and in England the po 1 m w « 1 p at establish-
ments. This enterprise, from hhtl tt m ft na large
scale in the United States dat t w ly d we learn
from a pamphlet sent us by it tl tl I t H N tl 4ppleton,
to the genius and and enor y ! T CL HEq To that
portion of Chelmsford, wJiith h t ft d t f rrcd their
operations, the name of Lowell was given by them after his death, as a
fitting acknowledgement of his agency in the undertaking, Mr. Appleton,
wbose loiig conuexioD with the cotton manufaetnre began here, was
associated with the enterprise from the Qrst, and was an original stock-
holder to the amount of $5,000. The stock of $400,000, only one-fourth
of which was designed for immediate use, was principally taken by Mr.
Lowell, Patrick Tracy Jackson, of Boston, an enterprising merchant,
who relinquished trade to take the management of the concern, and the
brothers of Mr. Jackson. The company purchased the water power of
Eemis's paper mill at Waltham, and built the factoi? originally for the
purpose of weaving cotton fabrics by the power loom. It was, however,
deemed more profitable to do their own spinning, and the mill was
started for that purpose. The power loom, already referred to as the
invention of Mr. Lowell, was added in the following year, and worked
quite successfully from the firat. The engineer department was entrusted
to Mr Paul Moody, a machinist of acknowledged skill. The loom, which
^\as the principal featuie of this establishment, was found to differ
( onsiderably from English power looms. " The principal movement was
bj a cam, revolving with an eccentric motion, which has since given
place to the crank motion, now universally used ; some other minor
improvements have fmce been introduced, mostly tending to give it
mcicased speed " Tlie patent dressing machine of Horrocks, of Stock-
poit, England, of which Mi Lowell had procured a drawing, was added
r Loom and Origin of Jjowell, by Nuthun Appleton. —
i.Google
i.Google
i.Google
1813] ORIGIN OF LOWELL— FIRST DOHESriCS. IflJ
•s . necsjur, Mconpaniment of He power loom, .ncj rooelvri e^senl,,]
improveiiienB, which more Itan donWed il, efflciencj. It is still m «»
The .top motion for winding on the beams for dressing, also originated
with this companj. Other Talnable improvements were made in the
machmoiy, of which the most important was the double speeder to
regulate the movements of the fly-frame in Suing the spool, for which
Mr. Lowell performed the nicest mathematical calculations. This with
other improved mechanism, was eonstrnoted by Mr. Moody, and patented
in 1819, and the two following years. It gave rise to several suits at law
for Infringement of the patent.
The description of goods lir.t made by this company, at Waitham
WM heavy unbleaihed sheetings of No. 14 yarn, thirty-seven inehe.
wide, forty-four piolts to He inch, and in weight something less than
three yards to the pound. They wore of the kind which has since formed
the staple of American cotton maunfactures for domestic use and expor-
ration. They were offered at the only shop for the sale of domestic goods
then kept in Boston, that of Mr. Isaac Bowers, on OomUll, but though
praised, they found no purchasers.' They were then sent to the store
of B. C. Ward & Co. , importers of British goods, of which Mr. Appleton
™ the capitalist, and by them were offered at auction, through a Mr
Forsaith, who sold them rapidly for somethin W t) t t h h
they long continued to be sold. B. 0. Wi d ^ C b m th 11 ng
ageots of the Company at the low comrais f p t wi I
continued to be the established rate when la 1 b d 1 t h .hiv
profitable. Mr. Lowell died in 1SH, at tl f f ty tw fl
having introduced into the Waitham factory, f I I h II f m
ing soul, aU the arrangements for the comp] t m n fs«t f tt n
cloH in the same bnilding The system i t d d by 1 m n 1 d g
careful provision for the moral character of tl p t 1 11 1
served in many of its details. His partners an 1 t w al m n
of great talent and energy.
A cotton mill was built this year at Plympt M s and tl t
Enfield, which was sold, in IS21, to D. & A Sm th d h t b
burned in 1836, and rebuilt, became, in 1852 tl p [ ty f th & f^
River Company, for the mannfactare of wool g 1 Th m nf
tare of cotton and wool cards was also com d t E 6 U a I
tinned until 1851, when it was removed to H iy k Q bb WI t
Btoues" had been a principal article of export 1700 Th p kin
<l)I.tIi.lt„Yo«l!.l,|bltI„,riSSS-4, lM,l,-B„.„d.l,afl„h.,,H. mUU
i. 1813, .,.„h»-.„ „„ . ,.,.. i.„. ,j, j„^„.. .^ .„.„i,4 i,,, '••"
i.Google
J98 PBOVIDENCE — BALTIMORE — NEW YORK CORTORATIONS. [1813
Manufacturing Oonipatiy, at Franklin, Mass., was also iDcorporatcd—
capital $300,000.
The cotton mills of Providence and its Ticinitj were at this time
running about 120,000 spindles, and made about 11,000 lbs. of yarn
weekly They consumed 6,000,000 lbs. of cotton in a year.
In Baltimore and vicinity, where the marshals reported eleven cotton
mills, with 9,000 spindles, in 1810, preparations were making to run
1,600 to 2,000 more, before 1st January. Messrs. Worthington, Jessop,
Cheston, and others, took up water rights on Gwinn's Falls, for the
erection of the Calverton mills, four miles west of the city. A large
wooJen factory was about this time erected at the same place by the
FranWin Company, A paper mill had been in operation there since 1803.
The Athenian Society of Baltimore si>ld, the last year, Ameiican goods
to the value of $80,893.
In the State of New York, a large amount of capital had, for a number
of years past, been annually invested in turnpike roads, toil-bridges,
water companies, banks, etc., through the medium of joint stock com-
panies. Abont one hundred and eighty turnpike companies, exclusive
of several whose charters had expired, had been incorporated previous
to the middle of April of this year. This business having been found
to be somewhat overdone, the circumstances of the country directed
enterprise as strongly tonard corporate associations for manufacturing
purposes. Among the objects, the manufacture of cotton and wool
greatly predommafed The follo«mg charters were granted this year,
under the geneiai manufictuiing law of 1811. To the Manlius Cotton
and Woolen, Litchheld lion, Ulster, Stamford, Fishkill Woolen, Pine
Grove Woolen, Whitestown Cotton and Woolen, Western WooJen and
Linen, Paris Friendly Woolen and Cotton, Broome Glass, Schenando Cot-
ton, Paris Farmer's Woolen, Broome County, New Tork Eagle, Verbank
Woolen, Homer Cotton, Eeekman Cotton, Hanover Cotton, Salisbi
Susquehanna Cotton and Woolen, Otsego Cotton, Glen's Falls, Burling-
ton, Eagle Cotton, Elm Grove Woolen and Cotton, Ticonderoga Iron,
and Wharton Creek Manufacturing Companies, Societies, and Associa-
tions. ' Special charters were also given to the Flushing Manufactur-
ing, the Urtica Whittlowi, the Otsego Card and Wire,' the Lake
(!) A m nfaolory of wood screws nenb screws from iron in the bar. The oompflny
t p t n this year near the Cohoes was inoorporated with adeqHoto cnpitel,
Bndg Wotervliel, Albany couHty, and A bell foundry and braes works in tho town
pp t« L ingbai^. A set of maohiner)', made brass cannon on contract for Ihe Slate
t d by self-taueht meohanic, Wm. 0. nf Connerjticul, and a tonsidersble variety
? d driren by water power, was of other works, as plated wares, surveyor's
led 6 d aw the wire, whLot hai been compasses, etc., of superior quality. — Spi^~
p ly mported, and tkus to furnish tho furd'a Qaaelleer,
i.Google
1313] PATENTS— eCEEWS — TAOEINO CLOTH, lyg
Chumpkin Ste.mboat, the Dutehess Comtj Marble, the Cmmdaignii
Mechunics', the New Tork Commission, and the Alleghany Coal Com-
panies.
The following were inelnieil in a list of a hnndred and seventy-nine
palenlii isaned this yeai-. To Stephen Dempsey, New Yo* (Feb. 4), for
acetate of copper ; Geo. W. Robinson, Attieboro, Mass. (March n)
for bra«i, copper, and composition nails ; Jacob Perkins, Sewbnryport'
Mass. (Match 23), two patents, one for back Tanlt locks, and one for
mannfactnring the shanks of screws. Kv. other patents were given
tor cutting and making screws, two of them to Abel Stowell, Worcester
Mass. (Feb. 4 and Jnly 16), for making and finisliing the heads of
screws. The others were to Jacob Sloat, of Eamapo Cove, N. Y.^
(May 4) | John Ilames, Eichmond, Ta. (Dec. 30) ; and A. Barnham
and T S. Barnnm, Sharon, Ct. (Dec. 31). J. Perkins received, in con-
nection with a Murray, of Philadelphia, another patent (June 36) for
an improvement' on Perkins' dies ; and another (June 39), for a copper
and steel plate printing press. Three other patent! for printing presses
were taken by Wiiham Elliot, New Tork (Feb. II) ; printing press and
ink distributor, Zacb. Mills, Hartford, Ot. (Feb. 36), and Daniel Pisrson
Sewbnrjport, Mass. (Jnly 16) 5 Daniel Pettebone, Philadelphia (May 6)'
plane irons and scythes ; T. Horton and 0. Biddis, Miifotd, Pa (April 16),
carding, spinning, and roping. This machine carded and spun wool
at one operation, without making it into rolls, and at the rate of a pound
in twenty-five miontes, with seventeen flyers, in its imperfect state, before
it was patented. Thomas Blanchard, Sutton, Mass. (May 4), horizontal
shearing machine ; William Shotweii and Arthur Kinder, of New York
(July 23 and Nov. 4), for hair cloth, spun from the hair of neat cattle.
The patentees had in operation at Eahwa_y, N. J., early in the ensuing
year, a large factory for making coarse fabrics called Taurim cloth and
carpets, from the hair of cows and oxen, with a small admixture of
sheep's wool. Thoy had a capital of $400,000, and in the infancy of the
business were capable of making five hundred yards of cloth daily. It
was eontinued a number of years. Hea. Steele, Hudson, N. Y. (Sept 8),
paper hangings with satin ground; John Warely, Albany, N. Y.
(l)Eainapo,orPiatson'sWorhs, H mp d tl J d d t nearly eight
stead, on the road lioni New Ikt bddp DteWrks twe miles
Alb.n,,,,.,l,..d.tlhl. U„e.r Ig b lb I r s « miejeden.
bloemary (of wbioh tbere were fi th b 1 I d f ty m n Nenrlv tvyeulv
townnndandlwelveiolbooounty) U g fl j fte i I we o4in taben
and sUlmg „,n and an ,»t.n 1 ,f , b M SI ..J b, J. H.
works, wbiab in isin made on m li P f b w b l blished in 1708
pound, of na Is They belonged to J Q by J. G. Pierson. one ot <bo fi-., .„,„„.e..
buQdred and fifty i
i.Google
1814
200 FIHST STEAM VESSEL Of WAK, OR BATTEaT. [1813
(Oct. lit), foi'ining wool and rorura hata; Eb. Harnek, Stockbridge,
Mass. (Oct. 22), a stockiDg loom, the first we believe recorded ; Eb.
Jenks, Coleliook, Ct. (Nov, 13), elastic steel card teeth, fish hooks, etc. ;
Thomas EwelJ, Georgetown, I>. 0. (Dec. 1), raanafacturiQg gunpowder.
The patentee claimed three important improyements, by which the risk,
waste, and expense were diminished one half. They.consisted prioeipally
in boiling the ingredients by steam, in the use of a wheel for incorporating
them, and in a mode of granulating the powder* He offered to manu-
facturers the right of nsing the first two, and to furnish the wheel for
$1,000 for every one hundred pounds made in a day, none less than
three hundred pounds. For the use of the grannlating machine, which
he also put up, he demanded, for the first year the whole saving made by
discontinuing the sifter, one half the saving for the second year, and one
fourth for the third and fourth years.
The American naval force on the Atlantic stations consisted, on 4th
March, of thirty-three vessels, independent of gunboats, only twenty-
seven of which were in actual service. The whole coast, from the
Mississippi to Long Island, being in a state of rigorous blockade,
according to the proclamation of Admiral Warren, at Halifax, in 16th
November, 1813. The attention of the Coast and Harbor Committee of
New Yorlv, and of the President of the United States, was drawn by
Robert Folton to a model plan and specifications for the construction
and armament of a floating steam battery or frigate of war, for harboT
defence, in favor of which he obtained the certificates of many prominent
nava! commanders. This destrnctive engine, to be called the Demologas,
in addition to a powerful battery, and the means of discharging a vast
column of hot water upon the decks of an enemy's vessel, was fitted with
furnaces for heating, red hot, shot or balls of one hundred ibs., to be thrown
by submarine guns into her hull, below the water line. On the 9th March,
Congre^ appropriated $320,000 for building one or more such batteries,
under the superintendanee of a sub-committee of five, with Mr. Fulton
aa engineer. The keel was laid 20th June, and on 29th October the
first steam vessel of war ever built, named Fulton the First, was safely
launched from the shipyard of the contractors, Adam & Noah Brown, in
New York. Her keel was one hundred and fifty-sis feet, breadth of
beam fifty-six feet, depth twenty, diameter of wheel sixteen feet, and
capacity 2,413 tons. The bulwarks of her main deck were fourteen feet
ten inches thick, of solid timber, and pierced with thirty-two port-holes,
for thirty-two pound guns. Her engine, of forty-eight inch bore, and
sixty inch stroke, was put on board on the following May, previous to
which time her ingenious projector had ceased to exist (Feb. 21), leaving
i.Google
1814] HAVAL AEMAMBNTB— PKOGEEBS OF STEAM NAVIGATION. 201
also, unSnished on the stocks, an improved submaritie Tessol, which he was
building under executive authority, and which noae of the mechanics were
able to complete according to hia plans. The steam frigate Pnlton gave
complete satisfaction, aad on her trial trip in July made sis and a quarter
mUes an hour, and afterwai-d, in November, with her full armament, five
and a half miles, drawing eleven feet of water. The peace having beea
ratified in the mean time, she was made a receiving ship until June 4,
"■ '"39, when she unaccountably blew up, killing and wounding a nnmber of
Congress, on 20th November, ordered twenty additional vessels, of
eight to sixteen guns, to be built or purchased. Of those ordered in the
last year, three were built during this year, at Vergennes, Vt., wJienee
the lake fleet of McDonough was fitted, and sailed in September. Of
one of these ships, the Saratoga, one hundred and sixty feet long, twenty-
eight guns, and five huudred tons, the timber was all standing in the
forest on 2d March, the keel was laid on the 6th, and the vessel was
launched on 11th April.
The more peaceful fruits of the genius of Fulton and of onr naval
architects were witnessed this year, in the first passage of a steam ferry
boat between New York and Long Island, that of the Nassan, which
cost $33,000 and commenced running on the first of May. Pulton also
built at Pittsburg, for a company at New York, Philadelphia, and New
Orleans, the steamboat Vesuvius, of 340 tons. She was intended for
the Louisville and New Orleans trade, and sailed in the spring from
Pittsburg, being the third boat built in the west. In July, with a cargo,
she made one half the distance from New Orleans to Louisville in tea
days, which was regarded as nearly a demonstration of the ability of
loaded boats to stem the current of the largest rivers by steam. The
Enterprise, of seventy-flve tons, also built this year at Brownsville, Pa.
with an engine made at Bridgeton, under D. French's patent, took a load
of ordnance to New Orleans, in December, and afterward made sis
hundred and twenty-four miles in six and a half days. This vessel was
the first that ever ascended from New Orleans as far as Louisville, which
she reached, in May 1816, in twenty-five days. She was commanded by
Captain Henry M. Shreve, the inventor of the steam snag boat, to whom
the citizens of Louisville gave a public dinner on the occasion. To
Captain Shreve the western people considered themselves most indebted,
nest to Fulton, for the early establishment of steam navigation on their
rivers, for liaving, in December of this year, on the first visit of tlie
Enterprise to New Orieans, and snbsequently with the Washington
brought to a legal test, the claim of Fulton and his partners to a
monopoly of the use of steam propnlsion. Both boats were seized, as the
,y Google
202 BANKING MANIA — DI80EDEEED CUKIlENCr, [1814
captain desired, and the trial haying been carried up to tlie supreme
bench, resulted in the oTertlirow of the exclusive preteDsions of the
prosecutors. There was at tliis time but oue Bteamboat in Great Britain,
the Cljde. The new Tessels built this year amounted to only 29,039
tons. The Embargo Act of December 1813 was repealed by Congress
on 14th April.
The high prices of manufactures, raw materials, labor, and real estate,
at this time, were the result in part of the war, and the suspension of
foreign trade. They were, however, still more a consequence of the
speculative disposition which had prevailed for several years in the
Middle States, and were stimulated at this time by the fiscal measures
resorted to by the government to caiTy on the war, by means of heavy
loans, and an immense use of treasury and bank issues, which became
rapidly depreciated in value. After the failure of the United States
Bank to obtain a renewal of its charter, public and private banking
institutions, and even manufacturing and bridge building associations
had been rapidly organized, in the expectation of creating wealth by the
facile process of emitting paper notes, rather than from the slow pro-
ceeds of industry and labor. So rife had this spirit become, that in
PenJisylvania a. law was enacted, inMai-ch 1810, restraining incorporated
associations from the issue of notes, or performing other functions of a
bank, but without effectually checking the evil. The only corrective to
oyer-issues of paper money by the banks, the return of the notes for pay-
ment, was in a great measure remoped by the war, which put a stop to the
annual exportation of specie for the China and India trade. The banks then
entered upon a system of wholesale issues of worthless paper, and of credits
to the government, and to individuals, far beyond the limited require-
ments of the foreign trade. In New England, which was exempt from
the rigors of the blockade, and carried on considerable foreign trade in
neutral vessels, more stringent laws existed on the subject of banks, which
preserved its currency from depreciation, aud caused a continual drain
of specie from the Middle States, and from the South and West, which
also participated in the prevalent infatuation. In Pennsylvania a bill
passed both Houses, in the Session of 1812-13, for the incorporation of
twenty-five banking institutions, with capitals amounting to over
$9,500,000, and having been returned by the Governor, was reconsidered
and lost. The application was renewed in this year, and forty-one
banks, representing $11,500,000 of capital, were authorized by a large
majority in the Legislature, and after having been also returned by the
Governor, was finally passed by a two-third vote, on 1 9th March. Of these
thirty-seven went into operation. On the 29th August, at which time
specie bore a premium of fourteen to twenty per cent, and a principal
,y Google
18H^] HR8T LEHISH COAI. — SALTPBTIM, 203
bank in Philadelphia found its specie reduced, since tho 4th January, from
$l,201,8ai to $14i,640, a general suspension of specie payments waa
declared by the barks of that c'tj in which they were followed, on 1st
September ly tl oso of Yew "i ork and Maryland. This suspension con-
tinned nea Ij tl reo j ear dunng vhich the currency suffered still further
discredit to a vast amouat w th a corresponding drain of specie, a
general inflat on of i r ces the tter derangement of business, and muoli
eyentu^l 1 &a to the commun ty The commissioners, which met at
Ghent, in A ij,ust s ^ne J i treaty of peace and amity between England
and Amer ca o i 24th Deceml er which was ratified by the President in
Febrnary folio v ng
The total value of domestc exports this year was only |6,782,0O0,
andofarticleaoffnr g or„n$U5,169. Of the former, manufactures
constituted t valne ot only Sill 000. The average annual value of
domestic eipo t f the last five years was 130,618,196, or more than
twelve per cent 1 elo v tl at of the preceding five, and a sixteenth below
that of tho five years from lISo to 1T99.
On the 9th of August the first ark load of twenty-four tons of
Lehigh coal, from the Summit mines of Manch Chunk, was shipped by
Messrs. Miner, Cist, and others, and reached Philadelphia oq the 15th,
at ft cost of fourteen dollars per ton. With much difficulty families and
smiths were prevailed upon to make the experiment of using it. Several
persons bore public testimony this year to its superiority for welding gnu
barrels, etc.
A duty of twenty cents a gallon on all spirits distilled within the
United States, whether from domestic or foreign materials, in stills or
boilers, was imposed on 21st December, in addition to those laid by the
act of 24th July 1813. Additions were also made to the licenses
payable by the former act.
The quantity of saltpetre made annually in Kentucky during the war,
was upward of 400,000 lbs., and of gunpowder about 300,000 lbs.
Saltpetre was obtained from the numerous limestone oaves, in which the
earth was so strongly impregnated as tij yield often fifty pounds of nitre
to every one hundred pounds of earth, and the latter, if returned after
leeching, in a few years regained its former strength. The counties
most productive in this article were Barren, Rockcastle, Montgomery,
Knox, Bstle, "Warren, Cumberland, and Wayne, of which the last pro-
duced from 50,000 to 10,000 lbs. a year. A contract was made this year
to supply $20,000 worth from the Mammoth Cave in Edmonson county.
The state produced, in 1810, 201,937 lbs. of saltpetre-, and Tennessee
162,426 lbs., Virginia 59,175, and Massachusetts 23,600, making nearly
,y Google
204 NEW HARMONY — ZAFESVILLE — WTTSBUEG. [1S14
half a million pounds of tome-made saltpetre, whict, with the capacity
for increasing the product, and the number of powder mills, were
supposed to be adequate sonrees of supply.
A settieraent, called New Harmony, was this year made on the Wabash,
fifty-foar miles below Tincennes, by George E.app, and the community
of Harmonists, who sold out their laud and improvements in Butler
county, Pa., for $100,000, with the view of cultivating the vine and
raising merino sheep, under more favorable circumstance a. Upon their
new purchase, held, like all their property, in common, and in the name of
Mr. Rapp, they erected a beautiful village, an extensive cotton and
woolen manufactory, a brew house, distillery, steam mill, etc., and
cultivated the viae with considerable success. Their cloth, made of
merino wool, was considered equal to any made in the country. The
unheal thf nine ss of the climate, however, compelled them, at the expiration
of ten years, to remove, and they purchased another large tract of land
on the Ohio, at Economy, in Beaver county. Pa., where they once more
renewed the scenes of industry and skill, which everywhere attended
their labors. The property in Indiana was sold for $190,000, to Kobert
Owen, the socialist.
The Zanesville Oanal and Manufacturing Company, was this year incor-
porated—witli banking privileges — for the construction of a canal and
locks aronnd the falls of the Muskingum, at an estimated cost of $10,000
to $100,000, and for the manufacture of iron in all its branches, cotton,
wool, hemp, flax, paper, etc., by the water power of the rapids at Zanes-
ville. Four miles above the town, on the Licking river, were a furnace
and forge, carried on pretty largely by Dillon & Son, which were probably
the earliest in the state. The census of 1810 returned three furnaces,
one iu Columbiana, one in Muskingum, and a furnace and forge in
Trumbull, which together made 1,181 tons of pig, and fifty tons of bar
iron. There were also twenty-four naileries. Coal was fonnd abundantly
in several parts of the state. Large quantities of maple sugar were made
in the state, amounting, in 1810, to over three millions of pounds. The
town of Aurora made, in the spring of this year, seventeen tons.
A cannon foundry, the beginning of the Port Pitt Iron Works, was
this year established at Pittsburg, Pa., by Joseph McClurg, at which
the first cannon wore made on contract for the fleet on Lake Erie, and
for the defence of Now Orleans. The first guns were cast at the old
Pittsburg foundry, corner Fifth and SmithSeld streets, commenced ten
years before by McClurg, and they were finished at the new foundry, at
the corner of Etna and O'Hara streets, where for several years the boring
machinery was driven by horse power. There were then but three or
four steam engines in the city or neighborhood. The works have con-
i.Google
1814] EOYTUES— MILL SAWB— HARDWAKE— PLAX. 205
tinned tlio imnof.cturo of cannon lo tie present time, nnd lime prodneec]
many of tlie lieaTieat columbiada in the world.
Iron worlis were tUi year erected on French street, Baltimore, by
Kobert and Alexander McKim, to bo drlTen by itoam power The
pnce of solid castings at this time was abont five cents a pound, and
Of hoDow ware sixty dollars a ton. Bar iron cost as high a. »150 the ton.
A petition presented to Congress In March, by Elijah Waters & Co
«nd others, inhabitants of Sntton, Millbnry, Oxford, and Dudley in
Worcester county, Mas,., praying for a duty on imported scythes and mill
saws, stated that the manufneture of scythes was a nourishing and
increasing bnsiness in those towns, which, in 1810, had eleven shops in
which they were made, nine of them in Sntton, and two in Oxford Seven
othei-s had been erected since, some of which could make one thousand
dozens of scythes annually. The business had increased in nearly
an eiiual degree throughout the state, and probably through th. Northern
Mates generally. Mill saws were also made to a considerable extent in
that vicinity, and In otlier p.rls of the Tnion, and they believed the
Union could be supplied with the domestic article, if the protection
extended by the war was continued after its termination Mill saws
mill irons, and scythes, were made at this time, somewhat .itensively'
by 8. & A. Waters, at Amsterdam, in Montgomery county N Y The
works were erected at a cost ot $6,000, and the .ales amounted annually
to 88,000 ottlO,000, including about 6,000 grass scythes, all' of which
bore a high repntation.
The manufacture of steel, edge-tools, castings, iron ware, and sniidrj
articles of hardware, had been already greatly extended and iinproved
by the snepenslon of foreign trade. That of wire making was considered
well established.
$260, and »215 in the present. The high price of .11 materWs, except
cotton, which was not above thirteen cente per pound during this year
led to an extended cultivation of Hal in Washington county H T
in which James Whiteside, of Cambridge, led the way, and was soon
followed by others. Its cnUare was found proBt.Ue at the current
price of eighteen and threo-qn.rter cents per pound. Washington and
Eensselaer oonnlies, particularly the valley of the Hoosic, have ever since
been the principal Jax region of the state, which in 1845 had 16 000
acre, m Sax, and prodneed 2,897,062 lbs. The cnilure was much pro-
moted by the number of oil mills in the district, und th. profitable
exportation of fiax-seed lo the linen districte of Ireland, whence the first
cultivators in Cambridge were derived.' An incorporated linen f.otory
was in operation at Schaghticoke.
(1) Pitcli's Survey of WoBbinglou Conafy,
i.Google
-PATERSON, N. J, [18H
The maimiactnie of taruaf,ssi iva commeiicel during the h ui piLsent
year, in Albani hj Mr Jauiea OoQld whi soon after added that of
stage coaches The husineis was also begun this year at Jiew Haven
Ct., by Mr Biewstei whose eftorts to promote the moial and ititelleL
taal character of his workmen by lectures dehveied to lliem by himself
and by Professors Olmsted Sillimtn anl bhepherd oa stientific and
mechanical subjects at his expense deserve mention no less than his
eminence as a manuficturei Ihe bnsiness in all its branches has been
ever since exteiiMielj conducted by these men or their repiesentatives
and both the cities named and their neighborhood, hive long been
principal leats of that busmen
Chemical mannfactnres «hich leceived then first prominent establish
ment in the United States during the pohfical troubles of this ppnod
received considerable aid fiom the chemical and metallurgic still of Dr
Erick Bollman a scientif! Dane, icsident in Philadelphia who intro
duced Wfillaston s method of woilting crnde platinum into bars sheets
and other firms seTTiceahle in the aits He succeeded in plating iron
and coppei with that nietil of which there chanced to be in the count;
a cousideiable ami cJieap supply for which theie was no demand He
also prepared the silver coloied metallic lu&tre or glaze foi poretlain
with the oxide and about this time made for Mr John Hairison an
enterprising m nufactuier of oil of vitiioJ the first platinum still used in
the country foi concentiating the acid This use of the metal had been
only recently intiodnced in Euicpe The still weighed seren hundred
ounces, and contained twentj five gallons and was in use about hfteenj eats
We believe he afterward applied it to the manufacture of crucibles and
plates, or slabs, for glass- workers. A glass mannfactory was this year
incorporated in Keene, K. H., where it is still a principal business. The
chief materials were abnndant in the town.
The manufacturing business of Paterson, N. J., where little had been
done, although several water privileges had been leased, sicce the failure
of the first Company, and the destruction of their factory, in 1807, was
about this time permanently revived by Mr. Roswell L. Colt, of
Hartford, a son of the former superintendent of the Company's affairs.
He purchased this year, at a reduced price, the principal shares, and
reanimated the association. The admirable water power of the Passaic
Falls at this place, was improved with much judgment by a dam, basin,
guard-gates, and canals, supplying, on three separate planes of different
elevation, the whole head and fall of twenty-two feet to mills on each
side, without any inconvenience of hack water. The expense of the
improvements, amounting to $40,000, and of keeping them in repair,
was borne by the Company, and Paterson became, in a few years, one
,y Google
1814] GILMOTIR'S VOWEB, LOOM — COMPANIEa 20V
of tbe principal manufactnring towns of the Union, With a short
intermission after the peace, its progress has been uniform since that
time.
The co.nnty of Essex, S. J., contained, in May of this year, twenty
cotton mills, and it was expected that before the first of September there
wottld be 32,500 spindles in use, making 30,000 lbs. of yarn, which,
eoDTerteii into cloth, would sell at forty cents a yard, giving a yearly
valne of $1,612,000. Within fonr years after, the county had in opera-
tion ten woolen factories, making cloth to tbe value of $650,000 per
annnm. Paterson, at the same time, had five cotton factories, mounting
20,000 spindles.
Mr. William Gilmour arrived in the TJnited States about this time
from Glasgow, bringing with him patterns of the power loom and dressing
machine, in nso in that country. He was invited to Smithfield, K. I., by
Mr. John Slater, who wished to iia^e these vilnalle m whines con
structed, fant was unable to obtain the consent of all h ^ paiinera He
remained two or three ye\is et gaged in mechanLal hbors for the
Company, during which time he inti Ddnced to the great advantage of
the business, the hydrostatic piess of Bramah foi piessing clotl At
the invitation of Judge Lyman of Piovidence he suhseqaently removed
to that place, where the machines were constiiicted foi him ind others
and from whom he received a compensation of fifteen hundied dollars
Tbe price of cotton yarn which in 1810 was woith on an aveiage
one dollar and twelve and a half cents per pound nas th s yeai worth
less than one dollar, partly m c usequence of improvments in machmeiy
Tbe second steam engine in Providence, one of twenty four horse
power, by Evans, ivis this year erected by Messrs Whitney &, Hoppin
in one of the buildings recently standing of the Providenct, Dyeing
Bleaching, and Callendeiing Company It cost fll 000, a iai^e part
of which was for trinsportation from Philadelpbii
Tbe ardor with which manufacturing Ttas engaged m at this time
was manifested hy the mcorpoiitisn this yeai liy the Geneiil Court of
Massachusetts, of thirty companies, foi the m»nufaetuie of cottons
woolens, glass, tiles wire and othei aiticlea About fifty compinies
had been incorporated m that state since IbOb, principally for making
cotton and woolen goods Among those chartered this yeir was tbe
Bellingham Cotton and Woolen Factory on Chailes iivei with a capita!
of $15,000, and the Hampden Cotton Manufacturing Company, and one
consisting of B. & W. Jenks, Joseph Bucklin, and othera, who established
at Jenksville, in Ludlow, Hampden connty, a manufactory of cotton
warps, to be woven in families, with woolen filling, according to the
freqnent practice of that day. The Company was not rcgalariy
,y Google
•a08 FISHKIEL — lANCASTEE — IJ;XI(1GT0N. [ISU
organized aecnrding to its charter until December, 1831, when, by the
name of the Sprinf;;fleld Man nfii^tu ring Company, it commenced an
extensiye iiiaEufacture of cotton, but failed, in July 1848, for a large
amount. The first cotton mill in Franklin coanty was this year put in
operation at Coleraine, by W. P. Wing. A woolen mill was built at
Middlefield, Hampshire county, by William J). Blush, which was
destroyed by lire in 1850. At Plympton, Plymouth county, a cotton
and woolen factory was established, which mannfactured this year ahoot
15,000 pounds of wool.'
At Fishkill, Dutchess county, N. Y., where a woolen company had
been previously incorporated, the first cotton mill was this year erected
by Peter A. Scheaok, Peter H. Schenck, and Henry Dowling. It. was
the foundation of the Matteawan Manufacturing Company, for many
years the lai-gest in the state. It was the only factory in the place
until 1822, when the Messrs. Schenck, who had become sole owners,
united with William B. Leonard, long favorably known as the agent of
the Company, and erected another large manufactory, to which was
added, ia 1833, an extensive machine shop, etc.
The Literary and Philosophical Society of New York, established to
promote the useful arts, difPase knowledge, and enlighten the human
mind, commenced its proceedings at this time.
The Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pa., went into operation
this year, with a paid-up capital of |128,000, which was expended in
buildings and machinery, and the manufacture of cotton yarn and cloth,
until 1818, when its affairs were closed by the transfer of the whole to
some of the parties interested, on payment of $3i,000 of borrowed notes.
It had thns sunk the whole capital, and was a striking example of the
disasters which overtook many, in consequence of the flood of foreign
goods which came in after the peace.
A large woolen manufactory, one hundred and twenty by forty feet,
and five stories high, was bailt at Lexington, Ey., by James Prentiss &
Co. It went into operation in 1816, and employed one hundred and
fifty persons, but stopped during the financial troubles, about six years
after. At the same place, whicli grew most rapidly at this time, a
company was incorporated, in the winter of this year, with a capital of
$50,000,' afterward increased,"to $75,000, for the mannfacturc of white
lead. It was owned by Messrs. Samuel Trotter, Levy, and others, and
made annually from 80,000 to 120,000 lbs., with facilities for making
200,000 lbs.
Two hundred and seven patents, for new inventions, were issued this
(1) Hollanil'a Western MiisEa.ehuEetts.
,y Google
1814] PATENTS — DIKBOT TAX. 209
year, among which were the following : to Daniel Poltibone, Pbilaaelphia
(Feb. ij, for twisted screw anger for boring gmis; Charles Osgood,
Salem, Mass. (Feb. 26), composition for black lead pencils; John
McThorudike (Marcli 1), making paper from pelts ; Eb. Ford, Baltimore
(April 14), a torpedo; Archibald Binney, Philadelphia (May 11),
moulds for casting printers' types. This lever hand mould was in general
use ifl the United States until saperseded by power machines, and enabled
a workman to east six thousand in ten boura, or two thousand more than
with the ring-tailed mould in use in Enrope (see A. D. 1811). Benja-
min Porter, Salem, Mass. (May 18), a brick press, the first recorded;
Joseph H. Deiby, Leominster, Mass. (May S6), cutting eombs at a
single operation, and to several others for comb-making ; James Harrison,
Boston (Aug. 22), time part of wooden clocks, and patents the same
day to five othera for different parts of clocks; Moses L. Morse, Boston
(Aug. 2a), for manufacturing pins of wire at one operation. This
machine is said to have shown much mechanical genius, and was nsed to
some extent, bat being too intricate or delicate, and remaining unim-
proved in other hands, it fell into disuse, or was superseded by other ma-
chines. Wra, F. Hill, New York (Oct. 15), a needle and pin machine;
Samael BrowDiag, FraneonJa, N. H. (Nov. 26), a magnetic cylinder
(or separating machine). This machine, for separating granular magnetic
iron ore, and titaniferous iron sand from its gangae, by magnetic attrac-
tion, was first patented, October 13,1810, and was renewed by act of Con-
gress, March 3, 1831, having proved highly useful to iron manufacturers.
Aug. Boulia, PiiiladeJphia (Dec. 21), a permanent color for calicos.
For the support of government, and the discharge of the public debt.
Congress, on 18th January, enacted, that after 15th April, the following
1815 ^°^^'""^' *^°*'^^ should be levied on articles manufactured in the
United States for sale, viz : upon pig, bar, rolled, and slit iron
one dollar per ton, on castings one dollar and fifty cents ; nails, brads, and'
sprigs, other than wrought, one cent per pound ; wax candles, five cents ;.,
mould candles of tallow, etc., three cents; bats, caps, and bonnets, and
umbrellas and parasols, above two dollars in value, eight per cent. ad<
valorem ; paper, three per cent. ; playing and visiting cards, fifty per cent. ;
saddles and bridles, six per cent. ; boots and bootees, exceeding fiyc
dollars per pair in value, five per cent. ; beer, ale, and porter, six per cent. ;
tobacco manufactured, cigars, and snuff, twenty per cent. ; leather, five
per cent. The duties wiiich accrued from this source, during the carrent
year, amounted to 1193,635, and the amount received up to 33d February
following, when the act was repealed, was $951,769. Duties were at
the same time laid upon household furniture, gold and silver watches,
,y Google
210 TREA'rY OF GHENT — EE1>BAL OP TONNAGE DUTIES. [1815
and (July STtli), on gold, silver, and plated wares, jewelry and pastework,
all of which were repealed the nest year.
On the lOtli February, the President, by special message, laid before
Congress a copy of the treaty of peace and amity, between the United
States and Great Britain, signed at Ghent, on 24th December, and since
ratified by both parties. On this occasion Mr. Madison remarked, " The
most liberal policy toward other nations, if met by corresponding dis-
positions, will, in this respect (in relation to commerce), be found the
most beneficial policy toward oarselves. But there is no subject that cau
enter with greater force and merit into the deliberations of Congress thaa
a consideration of the means to preserve and promote the manufactures
which have sprung into existence, and attained an unparalleled maturity
throngliout the United States, during the period of the European wars.
This source of national independence and wealth I anxiously recom-
mend therefore to the prompt and constant guardianship of Congress."
In conformity with this recommendation, Congress, on 3d March,
repealed the discriminating tonnage and other duties, in favor of such
foreign nations as should abolish their countervailing duties, in favor of
the United States.
On the 3d July, a convention was held at London, by tlie terms of
which it was agreed to equalize the dnfcies on tonnage and imports, so
that the produce or manufaotnres of the one country could be imported
into the other, in the ships of either, upon equal terms, and the same as
those of the most favored nation. This treaty was reciprocal only so far
88 it related to the British territories in Europe, and the East Indies,
and did not secure to the United States equal privileges in the British
colonial trade in America. Congress, on the Ist March following,
repealed all such parts of existing laws, laying duties on tonnage and
imports, as were inconsistent with the provisions of the conventiun The
treaty was renewed for ten years, on 20th October 1818, and again
indefinitely on 6th August 182T.
The earnest appeal of the executive, in behalf of manufactures, was
soon after importunately urged by the manufaoturers, who saw the tem-
porary protection they had enjoyed during the war suddenly withdrawn,
and their heavy inyestments about to be engulphcd in a common ruin, by
the renewal of foreign trade, under enlarged privileges. Congress at
length responded to the call by a more decided measure of encoarage-
ment than had yet been accorded to this branch of the national interests.
The privations experienced dnriag the war had convinced many Ameri-
can statesmen of the impolicy of withholding adequate protection to the
manufacturing classes. Tlie reranrkahle spring given to mauuFactorera
during the few years of non-intercourse and war, had clearly shown the
,y Google
1815] EESDLTS OF THE PEAOE — HEATY IMPORTATIONS. 211
capacity of the country for their most profitable ostension. The develop-
ment they had already received in various new branches, and in the aggre-
gate was quite remarkable, and their almost total suljversion, as iu former
periods, through passive neglect, became a subject of just apprehension.
From the peace of Paris, in 1163, to the adoption of the Constitution,
was a period of twenty-sis years, characterized hj the Stamp Act, and
various laws prohibitive of manufactures, a seven-years' war, counter-
vailing commercial regulations, debt and embarrassed credits, during
which the conntry laid the foundations of a diversified national industry,
and considerably relaxed its dependence on foreign countries. From
the organization of the new government to the second peace with Eng-
land, was a like period of twenty-six years, in which occurred the
several embargos and orders in council, twenty years of European and
two and a half of American war, an enormous accumulation of debt and
a reckless abuse of public and private credit, notwithstanding which,
domestic manufactures had grown in a manner quite unexampled in
the previous history of any country. They had at length taken a posi-
tion as one of the principal sources of national prosperity. The great
body of manufacturei-a, who had transfen-ed millions of capital from
other pursuits to manufacturing establishments, had already become
alarmed at the effects npon their interests of the revival of manufactures
abroad, whioh would follow the general pacification of Europe, and of
the unrestrained influx of British goods upon a peace with England.
Immense cargoes of foreign manufactures were already crowding the
portals of the narion before peace had thrown open the gates of com-
merce, and several petitions had gone up to Congress to avert the
danger which was impending. Many branches of the domestic industry
were yet new and imperfectly established, and few of the more recent
enterprises had yet reimbursed the heavy exjonses incidental to first un-
dertakings on a large scale. Among the petitions presented to Con-
gress eariy in the present year, was one from Thomas Gilpin and others,
manufacturers of Philadelphia, on 25th July, against the introduction
of goods subject to ad valorem duties, at one-fourth to one-half their
real value, and asking a revision of the revenue laws, which they sug-
gested might be found either in the substitution of specific for ad va-
lorem duties, or in the establishment of a Board of Appraisers at each
custom house, with power to decide on the value of merchandise entered.
So great were the importations of foreign goods which immediately
followed the peace, that during the first three quarters of the present
year, their value amounted to upwards of eighty-three millions of dollars,
and for the fiscal year next ensuing, amounted to one hundred and fifty-
five and a quarter of millions, of which value, over one hundred millions'
,y Google
213 EKGLISH POLICY — AUCTION SALES. [1815
wortli paid ad Talorem duties, abont seven-tenths of tlie last named
sums being in woolens and cottons. The duties that accrued during
the present jear ffom imports, notwithstanding the uiider-yal nation,
amounted to $36,306,022, a sum nearly pqual to the total average value
of domestic produce, annually exported during the twelve years immedi-
ately preceding the war, which was $3S 500 000
It was supposed to be an object woith large sacrifices on the part of
Eng'lish manufacturers to breakdown the formidable rivalship of growing
but immature manufactures in America by meana of heavy consign-
ments of goods to be disposed of it anction and upon the most liberal
credits, to the merchants. That this policy had, also, the approval of
eminent British statesmen, was inferred from the reHiarkable language
of Mr. Brougham in Parliament, soon after the peace, when he declared
iii reference to the losses sustained by English manufacturers in these
transactions, that " it was even worth while to iccav a loss upon the first
exportations, in order by the glat to stifle in the cradle these rising
mannfactures in the United States, which the war had forced into ea-
istenee, contrary to the natural course of things,"
American merchants were in no wise averse to the encouragement of
these excessive importationa, and were lured by the large profits and
ample fortunes realized by the Brat cargoes — some of which were at once
sold entire for clear profits of fifteen, twenty, and twenty-fire per cent.,
and in some cases as high as forty and fifty per cent, on large aale&— to
engage in extensive transactions. The greatest life and activity were at
once glvca to all the avenues of trade, the shipyards were set at work,
the banks, already relieved from the payment of specie, disconnted most
unsparingly, and thereby stimulated all classes to seek their fortunes in
mercantile operations and the largest ventures.' The increased revenues
from imports, and the activity imparted to eommeree, appeared to furnish
evidence of nnusual prosperity, but were soon followed by a reversal of
the flattering prospects. To a very large number of manufacturers, how-
ever, the enormous importations which burthened the warehouses of the
merchants, and soon after fell greatly in price, were fraught with the most
(1) Tbreepaekige sales, wbicttookplttce These facts csMHt a Btale of Ihinga por.
in Jnne, July and Augusl, 1815, on aoeonnl. tentoua of on approaching hurricane, wliich
of one merchant, amounted to $1,515,174. soon buret with violenoe. As early 05 tha
A single cargo was purchased for $300,0(10, ciose of 1315 ft lamentable change took
divided into four notes eaoh Srs.UOO, all place, and goods oiperienoed a ruinous
of wMohworo diacounled in different bania. fall. Goods at Pasamoro and Eirkbead's
The purchaser Irjst 680,000 by the specula- auction storo. which sold in August and
tion. The notes iasuod by one auctioneer, September at the enormons advance of
and those rcooivod by him for goods sold, 200 to 330 per cent., sunk, in December,
oxtant at ono time, and discounted at the down to 90, 100 and 125.— ISe Oisf-, bi/
lifferent banks, amounted ta $1,300,000. Jf. Care?/, p. 34.
i.Google
1815] INTRODUCTION OH THE E0W3JI MOM. 213
disastrous consequences. Many were compelled to close their factories, iii
wliieli their whole capitals were invested. Many others who ventured to
continue, became in the end hopelesslj bankrupt. Large numbers of work-
men were compelled to seek support in other pursuits, to which they
were unaccustomed. The revival of the foreign demand for. raw cotton
raised the price of uplands from thirteen cents in 181i to twenty cents
in the present, and twenty-seven cents in the following year, and thereby
still further reduced the profits of that branch, already nearly over-
whelmed with British and India cottons, sold at or below cost in their
own markets. Peculiar circumstances alone postponed for a time the
more severe distresses which ultimately overtook nearly all classes.
One of the principal agencies by which our manufactures — that of
cotton ia particular — were enabled to survive the total ruin with which they
were threatened, and eventually become thoroughly established, was the
introduction of the power loom. Aided by that and other improved
machines, the cotton manufacture of Great Britain had enabled her
triumphantly to defend the liberties of Europe under the most onerous
taxes throughout an exhausting war. Thus the mechanical combinations
of a few ingenious minds became, in their results, more potent than the
moat powerful armies guided by consummate skill, and enabled a people,
without utter ruin to Important interests, to contravene t!ie plainest
maxims of political economy.
A power loom invented by K C, Lowell, which cost about $300, was
already in operation at Waltham, by the aid of which the proprietor
stated to Congress, in the following year, that they were making a
profit of twenty-ive per cent,, and stood in no need of further protec-
tion. The Scotch loom, of which patterns were brought to this coun-
try during the last year by G-ilmour, was about ttiis time constructed,
at a cost of only $70, for several of the manufacturers of Rhode Island,
who made a liberal subscription to Gilmour for the use of his drawings
and instructions. This engine, which was considered superior to the Wal-
tham loom, was constructed in about sixty days, at Pawtucket, by David
Wilkinson, who added some improvements of his own, and commenced
making them for sale. It was put in the Lyman Factory at North Provi-
dence. Its comparative cheapness enabled the small as well as large ma-
nufacturers to dispense with the hand looms, which were soon after super-
seded entirely for factory use, with a consequent increase of the cotton
business, which without its aid would probably have been abandoned.
The extent and value of some of the interests which were imperilled
at this time, is derived from two reports of the Committee of Commerce
and Manufactures made to Congress in 1816.
The cotton manufacture of the United States employed this year
,y Google
2U COTTON AND WOOLEN STATISTICS — THE TARIFF. [1815
(1815) a Ciipital of $40,000,000; males employed from the age of
seventeen and upward, 10,000; women and female cliiidren, 66,000;
boys nnder seventeen years of age, 24,000 ; wages of 100,000 persons
averaging $1.50 eacli, $15,000,000 ; cotton wool mannfaetnred, SO,000
bales, or 21,000,000 Iba. ; yards of cotton of various kinda, 81,000,000 ;
cost, at an average of thirty cents per yard, $24,300,000.
The woolen manufacture was supposed to have invested in build-
ings, machinery, etc., $12,000,000; value of raw material consumed,
n,000,000 ; increase of value by manufacturing, $12,000,000; making
the value of woolen Roods manufactured annually, $1 9,000,000 ; numbei-
of persons employed eonstantlj, 50,000, occasionally, 50,000; total
100,000.
A memorial to Congress represented the cotton mannfactiire, within
thirty miles of Providence, to employ, at the same time (Nov. 8), one
hundred and forty mannfactories, containing in actual; operation 130,000
spindles ; bales of cotton ased annually, 29,000 ; yards of cotton goods
of the kinds usually made, 27,840,000 ; the weaving of which, at eight
cents per yard, amounted to $2,23'7,30O; total value of the cloth,
$6,000,000 ; persons steadily employed, 26,000.^
In the city and neighborhood of Philadelphia, there were employed at
this time, in the cotton branch, 2,335 persons ; in the woolen, 1,226 do. ;
In iron castings, 1,152 do. ; in paper making, 950 ; in smitUery, 750 do.
The manufactures of Pittsburg employed 1,960 persons, and amounted
to the value of $2,617,833. Nearly every part of the country exhibited
a corresponding degree of prosperity at the return of peace.
In his annual message to Congress, on 5th December of this year,
President Madison again nrged the propriety of encouraging manufac-
turing in the following terms. " In adjusting the duties on imports, to
the object of revenue, the influence of the tariff on manufactures will
necessarily present itself for consideration. However wise the theory
may be, which leaves to the sagacity and interest of individuals the
application of their industry and resources, there are in this, as in other
cases, exceptions to the general rule. Besides the condition which the
! and repre-
Mr, Jolin Wi
itei-man, in collootiDg Ibe a
eGsameiitnnd:
!talia ties, found tbe number i
aber, and a,
cotton tniilB, '
'in and near Providanoe,"
assess tlie
be as follows :
In Bhode Island, niiitr.4ir
lull spindle.
mills, witb 7:
>,67S apindloEj in Massacli
eases of nn
eetla, fifty-aer
en millB, 45,650 spindles,-
ffftshlngton.
bnrteenniills, 1 3,886 spindle
tition of tii6
(otnl, one bun
dred and seventy cotton rail
Hon. Jan.es
and 134,214
apindles.^ilr. Sione'i Orips
agouti and
^fPiMidcce
i.Google
1815] MADISON'S VIEWS— NEW JEESEY. 215
tl t If il 1 1 1 d pt b) tl t p
t h til t in y t t t 1 I
t g m f t g t bl hm t i lly f th m pi
t d k 1 th fc t y m y m 1 g th t th HI gt
ffi tly 1 d d m p t p I ]y htt I i
ty gih w th sa r d m t g j f !
mil tm ft g dtytl mad ra p
d h b t d a y wh I J t fy th I 1 f tl t t! p t t
t m tl d t th t p t h t ts w
t t k t II I t ly d y t ly f ^ t 1
mptt fml dbt fdmtwith d f
t 1 ra I I t th b h m p lly t tl d
t th p bi p t ], r I ly I 1 1 T h
w n 1 tl U t d St t f did f PI [
hj t t as 1 f 1 f t I y f tl p II
d f t d th tl p m y t f d d 1 It !1 1
lit I mm d t f p t I m f t wl tl
m t 1 f ti m t 1yd f m g It 1
q tl mi t d t th 1 1, t f d f t 1 1 1 ty
dlpd g tlh tfltl Id
Th p 1 1 wh h w p t d 1 I 1 th
tt m f t f Mas 1 tt 1 El d 1 1 d k g a
p h b t f tt f h p lly th f m b y d th
CpfGdHp d asddt tl p tdtl
td ptlljmbassdbythq tt flwp did
tt m a f f t k d badly ft d f d d by
th 1 f tl t 3 1 by th f th b t act f
p 1 dy t p{ ra f iiltc p t It t t d tl t
gl h p th P Ch 1 tt n d t N 1 I 16th J
f m C 1 tt th ! d d b f ] p Itp t
t d ly 1 d d t f p d I t d f th
Am m k t II q tty ttl 1 g II ff
t th y 1 I tl J, p f tw ty fi t yd 11
m k b t fl II f J d w th $1 200 000 i ht by I
f g h p Th d ty b d 1 y Id d 1 ttl tl
rs f b tl 1 t q 1 1 Th M h tt ml
p t d D 1 13 t d tl r t t f ra 1 ty
tt wh 1 t d d g th Th A lly 1
New Jersey was about the first legislative body which came to the relief
of the manufacturers at this time. On the 15th October, acting upon
the report of Mr. Dayton, from the committee to which was referred the
petition of Charles Kinsey, and other cotton and woolea manufacturers,
,y Google
316 NEWARK — PKOVIDENCE — 8AC0 FALLS. [1815
it resolved to aboliali the tax upon spindles employed in the cotton
manufactories.
At Newark, in that state, a manufacturer of coaeli lace employed at
this time about twenty hands. His supply of " floss silk" (raw silli freed
from the natural gum), was obtained from Connecticut, and was found
to be both iu strength and lostre " much superior to the best imported
ailk." The silk of Connecticut had been previously made chiefly into
sewings, and the raw silk nsed for coach lace, tassels, and fringe, had
been principally imported at an average cost of six dollars per pound,
which was increased by the war to thirty dollars per pound. From this
time forward, large quantities of raw silk were also required for the
manufacture of Tuscan braid for hats.
The revival of commerce at this time caused unusual activity in ship-
building, which had. been remarkably depressed throughout the war.
The number of vessels, of all classes, constructed during the year, was
1,3U, and their united tonnage was 154,624, a greater amount than
was built in any previous year, and more than five times that of the
last year.
The jewelry manufacture of Providence, R. I, employed at this time
about ODe Iiundred and, seventy-five worlfmen, and the value of iea
products for the year was $300,000. It was nearly abandoned during
the next two years, but was revived in 1818.
The extensive Orange Powder Works of Daniei Rogers, near New-
burg, New York, went into operation about this date, and afterward
became capable of making two huudred and fifty to five hundred
thousand pounds of gunpowder annually. It occupied twenty-seven
buildings in the various operations.
The iaw of New Yorli, relative to the incorporation of manufacturing
companies, enacted in 1811 (and continued by successive acts), was
amended to include companies for manufacturing claj or earth for any
uses whatever. It was extended the next year to include pins, and in
the following, leather.
At least one hundred and fifty millions of card tacks were made this
year, at Abington, Mass., and sold in Boston, New York, Philadelphia,
and Baltimore, and some in more distant places. An extensive iron
factory, at the Saeo Falls, in Maine, was considered one of the most
complete in the country. It included a rolling mill, and five superior
nail machines, one of which, with the help of a boy of twelve or fifteen
years of age, would make one hundred and fifty shingle nails, and a
stronger one, one hundred of the largest nails in a minute. At the
same place, in addition to a fulling mill and three grist mills, was a saw-
mill, with eighteen saws, which cut 3G,000 feet of lioards every twenty-
,y Google
1815] HAVERHILL — CINOIMNATI FACTOKIES. SIT
four houiu The water power was tlionglit safficlent for 2,000 mills
aod factories throughout the year, and its subsequent manufacturing
importance was confidently predicted.'
At Hayerhill, Mass., considerable manafacturing was done. It con-
tained two cotton and two woolen factories, and prodnced large quanti-
ties of shoes and hats for exportation, horn combs, leather gloves, leather,
etc., and employed constantly thirty men in the manufacture of plated
ware for saddles and harness, previous to the tax upon that article.'
At Cincinnati, Ohio, which, in June of this year, contained about
6,000 inhabitants, and 1,100 public buildings and dwellings, were foar
cotton spinning establishments, most of them small, containing 1,200
spindles, moved by horse power. A large woolen mannfactory, owned
by the Cincinnati Manufacturing Company, and calculated to make sixty
yards of broadcloth daily, went into operation in the .winter of this year.
It employed a steam engine of twenty horse- power. The town had
produced handsome pieces of carpeting, diaper, plaid, denim, .and other
cotton fabrics. Two extensive ropewalks made small cordage and spun
yarn. The latter had been exported for several years, as had also fur
bats. Ko wool hats were made there. There were sis tanneries, and a
considerable mannfaotare of sho9S, boots, and saddlery. Many doer skins
were dressed in alum, and leather gloves and brushes were made. A
manufactory of cotton and woolen machinery, established in 1809, had
since made twenty-three cotton spinning mules and throstles, carrying
3,300 spindles, seveuty-one roving and drawing heads, fourteen cotton,
and ninety-oiie wool-carding machines, besides wool-spinning machinery
to the amount of one hundred and thirty spindles, twisting machines,
and cotton gins. Plated saddlery ware and carriage mountings of all
kinds, every description of fashionable enchased jewelry and silver ware,
awoi-ds, and dirks, mounted iu any form, fluted or gilt, and clocks of
every kind, were among its manufactures. Stone and marble work,
pottery, household furniture, carriages, plane stocks, weaver's reeds, turned
and other wood work, were made. A manufactory of green and window
glass, and hollow glassware, was about to go into operation, and to be
followed in the ensuing summer by another for white flint glass. Clean
white sand for glass-making abounded at the mouth of the Scioto, but
clay for crucibles was obtained from Delaware. An extensive steam
flour mill, with four pairs of six feet burr stones, and an engine of seventy
horse-power, capable of manufacturing seven hundred baiTels of superior
flour weekly, and a steam saw mill of the newest construction, with four
e gates, each capable of sawing two hundred feet of board
lis HiatoricBl Ool- (2) Ibid., vol. i, p. 121.
,y Google
213 WOAD AND MABDER — AMEaiCAN 3?L0T:GHS IN ENGLAND. £1815
in an hour, were among the recent enterprises of this rising town. The
Ciiieinnati Manufactnving Company liad in operation a white lead faetory,
the tiiird west of the mountains, the product of which was claimed to be
superior to tlie imported, being free from whiting. The Company
was about to add the manufacture of red lead. A sugar refinery was in
course of election and there weie seveial distilleiies Two breweries
consumed 80 000 bushels of bailey in the mmufactare of beer ale and
porter. Tobacco and snnff pofc and peirl lihes soap of seyernl kinds,
and candles nere made and expoited A mnstaid manuhctoiy and a
mineral watPi fattoiy were in operation Two new paper offic;,s had an
extra press eacli for book punting and hid issued since 1811 twehe
different volumes of bound books iveiaging two bundled piges exch in
addition to pamphlets Ihe pappr had been formerly obtiined trom
Kentucky, but wa now supphed by mills in the state '
The land': lits and duelling houses in Ohio weie lalaed at
$61,341,215 A manufactory of white flint hollow and othei glasbware,
red lead and peariash wai, ccmraenced at "IVellbburg, m Wi-stein ■\ ir
ginia, and produced glass of superior quality.
In consequence of the high price of all imported drugs and djcstnffs,
the trustees of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agricultnre
offered premiums of $100 each for the greatest qnantities, not less than
three hundred, and one thousand pounds respectively, of wostd and madder
raised in the commonwealth, within two years, from 14th June 1814.
The same snm was offered to the inventor of the most approved machine
for threshing or separating grain (suitable for a medium farm), before
June 1816, and seventy-five dollars for the best and cheapest machine
for cutting straw or cornstalks, by horse-power, for fodder.
Trials made in England, in August and November, of American, and
the most approved English ploughs, proved the latter to be superior in
simplicity, and equally effective with the best in use then. The American
ploughs were made under the directions of Judge Peters, President of
the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, and combined the
best principles and powers of those in use in America., with especial
regard to simplicity of construction, and were sent to Robert Barclay,
Esq., of Bury Hiil, near Dorking, where one of the trials took place. An
American scythe and cradie, sent at the same time, proved superior in
every respect, in the hands of an American cradler, to the Haiuault
scythe, used by an espert hand.=
The number of patents issued this year was one hundred and sixty-
sis, among which were nine to citizens of Connecticut, for button making,
(1) Di-ako'a Pietnre of Cincinnnti. promoting Agriculture, vol. i, p]i, 13, 160,
(2) Memoirs of Philadelphia Socictj for 1G3.
,y Google
1815]
319
viz: L. Merien, N«w Hayeii (Jan. 4), for turnbg and polishing;
William Lawrence, Meriden (April 12), a lathe pin for turning wire-
ejed buttons ; John B. ColUns, Meriden (April 12), single jointed pewter
monlds for wire-eyed buttons ; Anson Matthews, Southingtou (April 26),
wooden moulds ; Ira Ives, Bristol (Aug. 1), three patents, viz : for a,
holdfast while polishing, for settiug eyes of metal in the moulds, and for
smoothing and rending the eye of metal ; Heman Matthews, Southington
(Sept. 12), two patents for a machine for finishing, and for a machine
for making wire neck buttons; Jacob Perkins, New bur jport (Jan. 16),
catting cylindrical nails, and another (Nov. 1), for an improvement ou
the foregoing; Sylvanus Tousley, Manlins, N. Y. (Feb. 1), east iron
sleigh shoes on wrought iron rods ; Oliyer Evans, Philadelphia (Feb. 7),
by special act of Congress, a renewal of his patent for steam engines,
gi-anted February H, 180i ; S. Ely den burgh, and Hez. Healy, Worcester,
Muss. (Feb. 20), a loom to go by water, steam, etc. ; F. C. Lowell, and
P. T. Jackson, Boston (Feb. 23), a loom (power), see page 213; Thomas
Biikewell, Pittsburg (March 3), manufacturing glass; George Stiles,
Baltimore (April 4), a floating battery steam ship; Cadwalladev D.
Colden, N. Y. (May 19 and again June 2), hydrostatic paradox, applied
to move maehiiiery; Henry Tannei', Phlladelpliia (July 1), etching end
pieces of bank notes ; John Eberts, Philadelpliia (Sept. 8), fall-top gig ;
Lewis Enters and W. Zigler, Georgetown, B. 0. (Sept. 28), light from
stone coal gas ; James Hale {Nov. 22), ardent spirits obtained from lime ;
L. Merritt and 8. Rogers, New York (Dec. 21), relieving toothache
by steam ; Jesse Sprague, Cape May, N. J. (Dec. 27), a wind saw mill.
In consequence of the low price of cotton, and the higii price of sugar,
during the war, increased attention had been given by the planters in
Georgia and Louisiana to the cultivation of the sugar cane. The
^^^^ snccess of the business in the latter state was no longer regarded
as doubtfui. Several improvements in the process of manufacture had
been introduced, by which the quantity and the quality of the product had
been increased Mi Doiosne m Fr ni,e had tanj^ht in 1811 the use of
an m-vl chiicoal or bone dust foi diBchait,mg the coloi an 1 impurities
m the place of ^ea;etabie cirbon use! since 1S05 and m 181-. Mr
Ho^aid in England afteiuird the inventoi ot the vacuun pan hid
mtijlutei as a supeiioi defecating agent a prepaiition of ilu^nina
known as Howards tinmgs The iibbon cine an edilier lui hardier
species than the Creole and Otaheite pjeviouslj cultivated was also
introduced ib nt this time fiom Geoigia and became thenceforward
the favorite i lant The sugar lands of Louisiana yielded from one to
t^ h fe hcaJ ot one thou di d wc (,1 1 eich t tie ic c wlichsoll
,y Google
220 SUQAE GKOWINO — DUmBS. [I8IG
for about $100 per hogshead. The crop, though uncertain, was on the
whole considered more profitable than any other. A farm of one hundred
and fifty acres employed abont fifty hands, and produced 150,000 lbs. of
sugar, worth, at eight cents per pound, $12,000, an average of f2i0 for
each hand. One hundred acres of rice, with the same labor, only yielded
$4,000, and two hundred and fifty acres of cotton produced about 6,000
lbs., worth, at fifteen cents per pound, $9,fl00. Indigo had been nearly
abandoned for many years, and yielded, with the same labor, at one dollar
per pound, about $1,000, and tobacco only $5,400. Cattle mills were
exclusively used at this time. The cost of a mill, capable of grinding
three hundred gallons per hour, and delivering two tons, or more, of sagar
daily, was about $1,000, and the pestles, buildings, draft beasts, etc., for
an establishment to make two hundred hogsheads, was at least as much
more. The total crop of Louisiana, at this time, was about 1,500 hogs-
heads, which was increased in the next two years to 25,000 hogsheads.
This industry had become sufficiently important to claim the patronage
of government, and on 5th January, a memorial was communicated to
Congress, from Bernard Merigny, and other sugar planters of Louisiana,
setting forth the importance of the business to the Union, the great
expense and hazards attending it, and praying that " the same sound
policy which has hitherto invariably excited the General Government to
protect the growiog manufactures of our country, and consequently made
us, in many branches, completely independent of foreign nations, may he
extended to the cultivation of the cane, and that the duties laid during
the war on foreign sugar, rum, and molasses, be made permanent by
law." By the tariff subsequently enacted, they were left in the enjoy-
ment of three cents duty on sugar, a reduction of two cents from the
double war duties.
The manufacture of Refined Sugar in the Eastern and Middle States,
kept pace with the increase of population, and Congress, on the 1st
February, continued, without limitation, the act of 20th July, 1813,
imposing an internal duty of four cents on all sugars refined, and allowing
a drawback of the duty, upon its exportation to a foreign country, in
quantities of not less than five dollars' worth. In addition to the draw-
back, an allowance of four cents was allowed, April 30th, on every
pound of sugar refined from foreign sugars, when exported as above.
The quantity refined this year amounted to about 6,000,000 lbs., worth
$1,000,000, and duties accrued thereon to the amount of $141,335, being
nearly double the amount of duties in the previous year.
A large number of memorials and petitions were presented, early in
the first session of the fourteenth Congress, by those interested in the
manufacture, especially of cotton and wool, and also of glass, white lead,
,y Google
1816] SEFFERSON KJlVrSES niS OFINIOS, 221
copiieras, and chemicals of different kinda, olive oil and indigo, sngar,
caiidlea, etc., and the breeders of merino sheep, praying for the prohibi-
tion of, or increased duties on, foreign manufactures, whereby their
own might be protected from the rninous competition to which they
were then subject.
The general interest awakened at this time, on the subject of legisla-
tive protection to manufactures, caused the opinions of public men, and
particularly of Mr. Jefferson, as the head of a large political party, to
be much canvassed. His views, as expressed in the Notes on Virginia,
in 1785, were employed with effect, by the opponents of protection. In
answer to a letter from Benjamin Austin, of Boston; on the subject, he
stated in his reply, dated Jan. 9, that his opinions in view of the altered
circumstances of the country and the policy of foreign nations, were as
follows ;
" We have experienced what we did not then believe, that there exists
both profligacy and power enough to exclude us from the field of inter-
change with other nations ; that to be independent for the comforts of
life, we must fabricate them ourselves. We mud iioio place the manu-
facturer by the side of the agriculturist. The former question is sup-
pressed or rather assumes a new form. The grand inquiry now ia, shall
we make our own comforts, or go withont them at the will of a foreign
nation ? He, therefore, who is now against domestic manufactures,
must be for reducing us, either to a dependence on that nation, or to be
clothed in skins, and live like wild beasts in dens and caverns -—I am
proud to say I am not one of these. Experience !,u,3 muj^u,: i„b, that
manufactures are now as necessary to our independence as to our com-
fort; and if those who quote me as of a different opinion, will keep paoe
with me, in purchasing nothing foreign, when an equivalent of domestic
fabric can be obtained without regard to price, it will not be our fault
if we do not have a supply at home equal to our demand, and wrest that
weapon of distress from the hand which has so long wantonly wielded it."
The public debt of the United States, contracted chiefly by loans for the
support of the war, having increased since the 1st January 1813, from
145,865,010 to $123,016,315, additional measures became necessary to
support the public credit. On the 5th February, the act laying double
duties on imports during the war, was continued in force until 30th
June ; after which time an addition of forty-two per cent, to the duties
then existing, was to be levied until a new tariff of duties should be es-
tablished by law.
On the 13th February, Mr. Dallas, Secretary of the Treasury, in obedi-
ence to a resolution of the House, of 23d February 1815, transmitted to
Congress an elaborate report, on the subject of a general tariff of duties.
,y Google
223 DALLAS'S ttBPORT 0^f MANUI'ACTUIIES. [1816
compreliending a view of its incidents upon the peace ostablisliment,
a atatement of tie generaL pi'iaciples for reforming it, including the
means of enforcement and a schedule of articles, with the rates of duty
proposed for the consideration of Congress.
The annual revenue demanded for the service of government, was
stated to be, in ronnd numbers, abont twenty-four millions, of which the
Committee of Ways and Means proposed to raise by direct taxes upon
lands, houses, and slaves, and by internal duties upon stills, stamps, re-
fined sugar, carriages, licenses, sales at aaction, and from sales of pablic
lands, the sum of |6,925,000, leaving |11,075,000 to be raised by
custom duties. This it was proposed to raise, by an addition of about
forty-twO per cent, upon the product of the single duties, in force on
1st July \812, estimated at about $13,000,000.
The Secretary set forth the claims to protection of American Mann-
faetnres, which owed their existence, particularly those which had been
introduced during the restrictive system and the war, ezclusively to the
capital, sJfil!, enterprise and industry of private citizens. Their preser-
vation from the ruin to which they woald be exposed bj foreign compe-
tition, became " a consideration of general policy, to be resolved by a
recollection of past embarrassments, by the certainty of an iocreased
difBculty of reinstating, upon any emergency, the manufactares which
should be allowed to perish and pass away, and by a just sense of the
influence of domestic manufactures upon the wealth, power, and inde-
pendence of the government."
Prom the imperfect information he was able to obtain, the Secretary
made the following classification of American Manufactures.
First. — Those which were firmly and permanently established, and
which wholly or almost wholly supplied the demand for domestic use
and consamption. They embraced the following articles^eabi net -ware
and all manufactures of wood ; carriages of all descriptions; cables and
cordage ; hats of wool, fur, leather, chip or straw, and straw bonnets ;
iron castings, fire and side arms, cannon, muskets, pistols ; window
glass; leather and all manufactures of leather, including saddles, bridles,
and harness ; paper of every description, blank books ; printing types.
, SecoJirf.— Manufactures which, being recently or partially established,
do not at present supply the demand for domestic use and consumption ;
bnt which, with proper cultivation, are capable of being matured to the
whole extent of the demand. These embraced cotton goods of the
coarser kinds ; woolen goods of the coarser kinds generally, and some of
the finer kinds; metal buttons, plated wares, iron manufactures of the
larger kinds, shovels, spades, axes, hoes, scythes, etc., nails large and
,y Google
1816] BALIAS'S TAEIFF BILL. 2'iS
am ill je^te tin, copppv and brass manufactures; alum, copperas;
sp lits 1 e alp and puiter.
T/ 11 I — Manufaetnres which were so slightly cultivated, ag to leave
the dernand of the country wholly, or almost wholly, dependent upon
foreign sources for a supply. These comprised cotton manufactures of
the fiaer 1 mda muslins, nankeens, chintzes, stained and printed cottona
of all descriptions ; linen of ail descriptions, linen cambrics, lawns ;
hempen cloths sail cloth, Russian and German linens ; silk goods of
all desciiptions, woolen goods of many descriptions, worsted goods of
all kinds Btnffs eamhlets, blankets, carpets, and carpeting ; hosiery of all
descripticns mclnding Itnit or woven gloves; hardware and iron-
mongery, excepting the large articles, cutlery, pins and needles ; china
ware, earthenware, porceJain; glass of all descriptions except window
glass and phials.
Duties amounyng, wholly or nearly, to a prohibition of similar articles
imported, it was conceived might be laid upon the first class, and a well
directed legislative patronage would not only preserve the second class,
but speedily raise them to the condition of the first class. The cost to
the consumer would, in the first case, be kept down by competition, and
in the second would not be necessarily increased. The inconvenienoe
would be but temporary, while the future advantages to the nation
would be great, and particulariy to the agriculturist, who would thereby
find a ready market in his own neighborhood for his cotton, wool, and
produce.
Upon the third class, tlie rate of duty could be adjusted simply with
reference to revenue.
The tariff of duties proposed by Mr. Dallas, in accordance with these
general principles, was from ten to thirty-three and one-third, and in one
case forty per cent, higher on all the principal articles of manufacture,
forty-four in number,-than the rates finally adopted. On cotton goods,
which by th^ old tariff paid twelve and a half per cent., Mr. Dallas pro-
posed thirty -three and a half, which was reduced to twenty -five per cent.
On china, pottery, glass (other than window), it was reduced from thirty
to twenty per cent., and hammered bar and bolt iron from seventy-five
cents to forty-five cents per hundredweight.
On the same day that the Secretary's report was sent in, Mr. Newton,
of Virginia, from the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, to
whom had been referred the memorials of the manufacturers of cotton
wool, also made a report, from which we have presented, on a previous
page, some statistics of that industry.
It stated the consumption of cotton to have increased from five
hundred bales, in the year 1800, to ninety thousand bales in 1815, the
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224 OOTIOtf' MANUPAOTtlllES IN PEML. [1816
capital employed to amount to forty millions of dollars, and the value
of the product to be twenty-four millions.' An increase of the duties on
imports was urged in a lengthy and forcible argument, in favor of the
general policy of protection to manufactures.
"The American manufacturers," say the committee, "have good
reasons for their apprehensions — they have much at stalie. They have
a large capital employed and are feelingly alive for its fate. Should
the National Government not afford them protection, the dangers which
invest and threaten them will destroy ail their hopes, and will close their
prospects of utility to their country. A reasonable encouragement will
sustain aud keep them erect ; but, if they fall, they fall never to rise again.
" The foreign manufacturers aud merchants know this ; and will redouble
with renovated zeal the stroke to prostrate them. They also know, that
should the American manufacturing establishments fall, their mouldering
piles — ^the visibleruins of a legislative breath — will warm all who shall tread
in the same footsteps of their doom, the inevitable destiny of their establish-
ments. ... Do not the suggestions of wisdom plainly show, that the
security, the peace, and the happiness of the nation, depend on opening and
enlarging all our resources, and drawing from them whatever shall be re-
quired for public use or private accomodation? The Committee, from
the views whieli they have taken, consider the situation of manufacturing
establishments to be perilous. Some have deceased and others have
suspended business. A libera) encouragement will put them again into
operation with increased powers ; but should it be withhold they will be
prostrated. Thousands will bo reduced to want and wretchedness. A
capital of near sixty millions of dollars will become inactive, the greater
part of which will be a dead loss to the manufacturers. Our improvi-
(1) In rcfererioolothoromnrkablBgrowa standing the heaTj tns Isyicd on foreign
f th tt m f tute ua developed in ootton gooda. That tlia failure of those at-
th p t, y Dtelligent writer in temple, however, ivns nof occssioned by
El b g d t have used tbs follow, any defect la the plan or general oondoct
1 g g Tb great extent of the of the establislimeiits, we know from a gen.
tt n man f t the United States, tleman who visited the principal cotton
t t d th p d g report^ is more like works in America, in IBlfl. Ho found the
li tth g s of tlia parties had^ machinery in many of them of exeallent
contsmplatBdtlian what had been actually oonatruction, and those who had the ohnrgo
achieved. Indeed it would have been Im- of them were men who had bean bred io
possible, even in a country with an exten- this conntry, and who wore possessed of
sive population and established mnaufac. both skill and judgment. But tlie ciroum-
tnring habits, to have reared, in the time, a stances in the state of America whioh we
mannfaetare of the magnitude they man- hare meuHoned, were so adrerse to the
tion. But whatevei' proaparity it hod at- nature of the undertaking as to render sue.
taiued, was put on end to by the reatoration eosa in the opinion of those parsons iuipos-
of peace with Engia,iid, and this aotvtith- slble."
,y Google
181G] TT W MIN MAN 225
d Wdtftl q TlPwjl f
g tl and p p ty w 11 n tli d t feth h b
th G m t 1 t t mi
A 1 ty 1 t I I t t tl q y d w d 1 by
th C mm tt t p t t th A tt m f t
d 11 d ty f f ty fifty ]. t I I g 1
t f tl 1 f th 3 t t w Id t th q t
m t
W th th m h J 1 dy t 1 1 I g t 1 st 500 000
J dl th tt m f t Id 1 i ly th U t 1 St t th
b t ty m 11 y d f I th lij Tl t d h fly f
g hmpldbdtk tp hL htg htg d
Itf aj,dlt dth ttft Tthtgml
f m J N 12 w Id th b g t tj th t N w T k t
hh| tij ull tbftldtl m llhdl Id
f th ty th t tl ty fi t Of th p dl th p t
y f w ff t lly t w k 1 f th w S h t M hra ta
Idaayt pi pfith Thw mftyf
tfl dltfcHd d SttbgtFkft
ML d q d d ty h h th l P 1 f th
d thy m— Ejfmft p tthtyp p
} d f ht h dth— d th 1 q d d ty f th ty
tpq ydf h ttwtythp d \
dth ty t f 1 tm
ai C mmtt 6th M h p t d th m m 1 d
1 1 1 f th 1 fact Th b h mpl y d p t 1
f tw 1 m II f d 11 d h ! d th I h 1 p 1 g
j,dtthlf t 11 fdll Ej £,1
th f g p t f t th tt m f t pil 1
th 1 1 f t th d tl C m tt f It b d t d th
ra j t t th ft fw 1
W th th p pi d bj t b f t d t th tit
t f m 1 t L th 0th F i- y f tl
fi 1 1 m dd d t If t th 1 t f t fi I 11 p t d by
(1) Messrs. Arthur W. Magill and Wm. pfobsbly mnie 75,000 yard of norrnw and
Ygung, whose estimaWs ware nocapted by 26,000 yaria of broaJcIo hs As ma y as
the Cominittee, stated, in a letter lo the 500,000 yardfl were supposed to be mada
ohairman, that the manufaetnra of woelen annually in fam 1 os The manufacture
cloths, in Connoctient alone, then employed was capable of an no eo 6 thr ugh ut the
Iweaty-fivo establishments, and 1,200 per- Union, of Hventj fi e to th ty [ er aeut.
Their capital nas $450,000, and (hey
15
,y Google
226 CLAY, -WEBSTEE, AND OALHOUN. [1816
Ml I f S th C 1 Ch m f tt t m tt F ^^ j
a d M w th a p ma y t th t, t f i t
man ft th f tt a d w 1 b g j t bj t f
1
pi a aipl d t t f
ad pt 1
t n w th 1 w p I tt
t X !nd th
a 1 w 1 did tt
q tt 11
t th p J 1 f th Am
tt ? w
Th d t f th in
a b dt M
F C L w 11 f M ach tt
ad y fM
as Lwd dJCCIl
th tl 1
t t f S th C 1
w I tl
d ftl !.ll m g
t! p pi
fl t t pp tlj th
n tt t
1 ty f th m h h w
p t J hy M D 11a.
; 1 w 1
t ally
I It haa 1
wh d 1 t tl
i th gentlemen,
il th 8 thern States,
th lit pporters of
t a y p ion of the
fte d 1 eoTered in
th t J rt n w d ft f J t tl degree of
p t t J d th t asi p t 1 g t dtl L,\ the tariff;
b t f, 1 IT th 1 p ty 1 ty f the measure
ftt th t pa t 1 e s M 7 g d d tl f tl f th OovBrnment
as 15 th pptfmft tdby restrictive
n dtlwalwhhhlt gt tt, been the
dpi ftl tyl gtltp dApt fthe com-
m Idldlt t hhhlffUfmtl ausea that
t d 1 t d m f t w f It th 1 entitled to
b IdfmU ybtb ijtfn industry
wh h h i th n 1 ^ th b m t il disposed to
1 t tl d t t h t d d t w rap t ble with the
bj t h h 11 dp d t 1 h M CI y t t y the sense
of the House as to the extent to which it was willing to go in protecting
domestic manufactures, moved to amend the bill by increasing the
duty on imported cottons from twenty-five to thirty -three and one-third
per cent. — afterward reduced to thirty— -and advocated a thorough and
decided protection hy ample duties, as did also Mr. Ingham, of Penn-
Bylvania, who stated that not less than one hundred millions were believed
to have been invested in manufaetures witiiin the lost eight or ten years ;
all of which was endangered by the accumulated amount, cheapened
cost, and improved qnality of foreign mannractures. Tlie commercial
interests were well defended by Mr. Smith, of Mnrjland, and Daniel
Webster, then a representative from New Hampshire, both of whom
favored moderate protection. Mr. Webster, who considered perma-
,y Google
181G] THE TARTFI' — DUTY OS IRON, 22T
nemy ratliei thin a i igh fluty, desirable, proposed a maximum
diitj en cottuns f tliiitj per cent., to be reduced after two years to
twenty five and in tno more to twenty per cent. He endeaYored to
ftyert the sndden de=(tiuctiou of the India trade, which was stated to
employ foity ships ca[ able of carrying one thonsand bales, of eighteen
hundred yarls each or a total of seventy-two million yards of cloth,
worth neatly six and a luif millions of dollars, which value, with ths
eighteen million pounds of cotton consumed in its manufacture, was so
much taken from the industry of the United States. Under the minimum
provision of the bill, by which cotton cloths (except nankeens from
China), the original cost of which, at the place whence imported, was
le.sa than twenty-five cents the square yard, were to be deemed to have
cost twenty-five cents, and to pay duty accordingly, the trade in India
cottons was intended to be arrested. Mr. Pickering, of Massachusetts,
who did not believe the existing manufactures required a duty of twenty-
flve per cent,, for two years, moved in Committee of the Whole to strike
out that clause, but found few supporters. Afterward, before the
House, he moved to amend it by a return to the old double duties,
and during the discussion, Mr. Randolph, who was disposed to encourage
none bot hoaseliold or family manufaetnres, again moved to strike oat
the minimum proviso. This drew from Mr. Calhoun an earnest defence
of the principle of protection, upon grounds of prudence and national
policy, as well as of justice to manufacturers, which had originated in the
public necessity of the times. The bill was then carried by a vote of
eighty-eight to fifty-four, and was approved on the 27th. Mr. Wright,
of Maryland, proposed to exclude the votes of members interested in
cotton manufafltares. The duty on woolen manufactures, except blankets,
rags, and worsted or stuff goods, wai fixed at twenty-five per cent, ad
valorem for three years, from 30th June, and on cotton cloths, twist
yarn, or thread, at twenty-five per cent., for the same time, after which,
cottons were to pay twenty per cent, ad valorem. The minimum valuation
of cotton cloths was, in effect, a specific duty of six and a quarter oents
a yard, and was also applied to unbleached and uncolored cotton, twist
yarn or thread, costing less than sixty cents a pound, and to bleached
or colored yam, costing less than seventy-five cents per pound.
By this act a discrimination was first made between hammered and
rolled bar iron, which, under the permanent duties, had paid alike fifteen
per cent., and double rates during the war. On hammered iron, chiefly
made in Russia and Sweden, a duty of sevenfy-five cents per cwt
was proposed, but was reduced, on motion of Mr. Webster, to forty-
five cents, or nine dollars per ton, equivalent to about thirteen per
i.Google
328 AD VALOREM AND SPECIFIC BUTIES. [1816
cent, upon its first cost.' On rolled iron, wliiL-h was made in England,
by the new and cheaper process, at about half the price of the former,
the duty was one dollar and fifty cents per cwt., or tliirty dollars per ton,
equal to about eighty-five per cent, on its cost. This difference was the
subject of remonstrance by Great Britain, as a departure from the
provisions of the Convention of July S, 1815.
The principal foreign manufactures and prodncts were admitted at
■the following ad valorem rates, calculated on the net cost at the place
whence imported, exclusive of packages, commissions, and exchanges,
with the usual twenty and ten per cent, additional, viz :
At seven and a half per cent,, ad valorem, saltpetre, jewelry, watches,
gold and silver wares, laces, etc. ; at fifteen per cent., gold leaf, and
articles otherwise free ; at twenty per cent., hempen, or sail cloth (except
Eassia, German, and Holland linen and duck), cotton and wool stockings,
types, brass, copper, iron, steel, pewter, lead and tin wares, brass wire,
cutlery, pins, needles, buttons and moulds, buckles, gilt, plated and
japanned wares, cannon, muskets, fire and side arms, Prussian blue,
china, earthen, stone and porcelain wares, glass, other than window, and
black quart bottles ; at twenty-five per cent, cotton and woolen goods ;
at thirty per cent., umbrellas, parasols, and parts thereof, bonnets and
caps, artificial flowers and millinery, hats and caps of all kinds, painted
floor cloths, mats, salad oil, mustard, pickles, sweetmeats, wafers, cabinet
wares, and all manufactures of wood, carriages and parts thereof, leather
and manufactures of leather, paper, pasteboard, paper hangings, blank
books, parchment vellum, brushes, canes, whips, and ready made
clothing.
The following speciSe duties were laid, viz : on ale, beer, and porter
bottled, fifteen cents, unbottled, ten cents a gallon ; alum and copperas,
one dollar a cwt. ; blacli glass bottles, one dollar and forty-four cents
per gross; window glass from eight by ten and under to ten by twelve
in size, one dollar and fifty cents to three dollars and twenty-five cents
per hundred square feet ; boots, one dollar and fifty cents ; shoes and
slippers of silk, thirty cents, of leather, twenty-five cents, childrens',
fifteen cents per pair ; tallow, whiting, and Paris white, oohre dry (in oil
one and a half cents) ; lead in pigs, bars, or sheets, one cent ; spikes,
shot of lead, two cents ; bristles, tarred cordage and cables, tallow candles,
cotton, chocolate, red and white lead, nails, soap, brown sugar, etc., three
(!) The oxcisa ooUectBd npon iron mmla nearly aa much iron ae nli Iha otbers. Yot
if, all the slatos, betwoon IBtb April, 1815, t«o rspretonlativoa frim ttat state YOted
ana tic 22d Februtiry, 1816, amnunted to for n reduction of the duty, whilo Messrs.
EB1,90.^, of which P™najl™i.ia paid Calhoun and Maynard, from South Carolina,
$27,941, showing that slata to have made yoted for the tiiglior tatfl.
i.Google
1816] EPPEOSS op THE TAEIPP. 229
cents ; white clayed or powdered sngar, untarred cordage, yarns, twines,
packthread and sieves, copper and composition rods, bolts, spikes or
nails, four cents ; coffee, glue, iron or steel wire, not exceeding No. 18,
five cents ; wire over No. 18, nine cents ; wax and spermaceti candles,
six cents ; gunpowder, eight cents ; cheese, nine cents ; lump sugar and
manufactured tobacco, ten cents ; loaf sugar, sugar candy, and snnff,
twelve cents ; indigo, fifteen cents a pound ; coal, five cents the heaped
bushel; salt, twenty cents a bushel; spirits from grain, forty-two to
seventy-five cents, and from other materials, thirty-eight to seventy cents,
according to proof; molass fi f tw ty fi t t
dollar a gallon ; anchors, roll 1 1 d b It d II d fifty
cents, hammered iron, forty fi ts h t d d I p
two dollars and fifty cents p wt E n d b tw d II
one dollar and twenty-five t H II 1 tw d U d filty 1
per piece ; segars, two dolla d fifty t p th 1 , t a. , twelve
to sixty-eight cents per pound ; olive and spermaceti oils, twenty-five
cents, whale and other flah oils, fifteen cents a gallon.
This tariff, though falling far short of the measure of protection,
which the more ardent friends of manufactures felt themselves entitled
to, was accepted as an advance upon the permanent duties to which they
were about to return. Although, upon the whole, as much calculated
to benefit the farming and planting interests, which had opposed it, as
the manufacturing, it doubtless averted the speedy ruin, which would
otherwise have overtaken several branches, and probably destroyed the
cotton manufacture altogether. The benefits expected from it increased
very greatly, however, the competition in manufactures, and with the
decline in prices that soon followed, as a result of improved machinery,
and increased enterprise abroad, and the resumption of specie payments,
brought the severest distress upon the manufacturing classes.
The immediate effect of its operation upon the accumulated supplies
of foreign manufactures, which began to flood the country after the
peace, was to replenish the public treasury, of which the receipts from
customs during the year amounted to $36,306,814, or seventy-three per
cent, above the .estimate, and more than double the maximum before the
embargo, when it reached $16,363,550, in I80T. The total amount of
ad valorem duties, at twenty-five per cent., chiefly on cottons and
woolens, paid in 1815 and 1816, was $28,826,419. The foreign imports
retained for consumption were double the value of domestic exports, which
were greater than that of any previous year, by nearly fifty per cent.
The total imports exceeded one hundred and forty-seven millions in
Financial embarrassment to importers and manufacturers was the
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230 UNITED STATES BAHK — BATINOS INSTITUTIONS. [181S
inevitable conseqaence, and was only partially alleviated by the opera-
tions of the new United States Bank, created witli a view to restore the
curreney. That institntion was chartered on the 10th April, for twenty
years, and was opened early in the ensuing year, with a capital of thirl y-
five millions (of which seven millions were held by the United States), in
Bhares of one hundred dollars, bearing five percent, interest, with twenty-
five branches in the different states. The resumption of specie payments
was thereby forced upon tlie other banks, and a general improvement of
the cuiTency resnlted, although the sudden curtailment of their heavy
issues produced much commercial distress during a few subsequent years.
The Bank of England, which had not paid specie since lt97, also
partially resumed, in December, by paying specie for one and two pound
notes. The greatest distress, however, prevailed in England as a con-
sequence of the general peace in Europe, which was more immediately
disastrous to her than to the United States. Kiots, and the destruction
of machinery, were particularly I'ife throughout this year.
As a means of alleyiating the present and prospective distress of the
laboring classes, arising out of the instability of manufactures, the first
savings institutions in this country were organized toward the close of
this year. The "Saving Fund Society," of Philadelphia, Andrew
Bajard, President, was opened for business December 2d, and the
"Provident Institution for Savings," at Boston, was incorporated on
the 13th. The latter, "intended to encourage industry and prudence in
the poorer classes, and to induce them to save and lay by something of
their earnings for a period of life when they will be less able to earn a
support," received deposits as low as one dollar, and paid interest when
.they amounted to five dollars. The " Bank of Savings," in the city of
New York, was formed under the auspices of the Society for the Pre-
vention of Pauperism, in public meeting on 35th November. It was
incorporated in March 1819, and received its first deposits, to the
amount of $3,80T, from eighty depositors, in sums of two dollars to
three hundred dollars, on 3d July following.'
Tlie dangers which appeared to threaten the national industry induced
the American Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Manufactures,
to issue at New York, on 31st December, an address to the people of
the United States, inviting them promptly to establish throughout the
Union, Societies for correspondence with them and with each other,
(1) On thoUtJsnnnry.lSSB, there were Savings Bank in Biillimore, was formed
fiftj-seyen BflyingB Binis in the sinte, and eiirly in 1818, und incorporated at the next
Blsteen in (lie oiiy of New York; the latter aesalonof the Aeaerobly. It received, during
bnving on depoeit S3«,3(l4,4ie, snd reaoHrcea the nest three yoars, deposits to the amount
to 0,0 Yiiluo of $S8,T57,8fiO. The first of nearly 360,000.
,y Google
1816] GAS LIGHT — TELEGEAJa — BTEAM PAPER MILL. 231
and upon manufacturei^, agi'icultarista, merchants, men of science,
soldiers, anil women every where to unite in upbuilding American
Manufactures.
The Colombian Institute, for the promotion of Arts and Sciences,
was instituted this year at Washington. It was merged in the Rational
Institute on the expiration of its charter in 1830.
An interesting event of this year, was the introduction, in several
different places, of the system of illumination by Gas Light. Lewis
Enters and Wilham Zeigler, of Georgetown, D. C, in February,
memoralized Congress for its aid and patronage in caiTjing into execu-
tion a discovery which they had lately made of producing light from the
gas of stone coal, for which they had already received a patent. In
Baltimore a company was formed, composed of Rembrandt Peale, Wm.
Lorman, James Mosher, Robert 0. Levy, irnd Wm. Gwynn, who ob-
tained a charter to fn 1 tl city and individuals with gas light.
They erected wo k n tl uth-west corner of North and Saratoga
sti-eets, and were th fl t n tl United States to carry into operation
the improved m d f Hum nat ng towns. The corporation of New
York, also, during tl y t k measures for introducing gas light.
Gas was introduc d nt a a 11 ear Cincinnati, by Mr, William Green,
and it waff also proposed to light the streets of the dtj with it. On
the 25th November, the New Theatre at Philadelphia was illuminated
with gas lights under the direction of Dr. Kngler, being the first theatre
on the continent illuminated in that manner.
A proposition was also made this year by Dr. John Rodman Ooxe,
professor of chemistry in the TlniTersity of Pennsylvania, to establish aii
Electric Telegraph and to mike signals at a distance by the decomposi-
tion of water and metallic salts, whereby a change of color would be
produced.'
The manufacture of chemicals, paints, medicines, etc., was commenced
at Baltimore, by Messrs. Howard Sims and Isaac Tyson, who erected a
laboratory on Pratt street. They afterward removed it to Washington
Avenue, and were incorporated in 1823. They became extensive manu-
facturers of copperas, and of chroraate of potash, chrome yellow, and
other chromic pigments from the chroraate of iron at Bare Hills, Mary-
land, and in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
The first Steam Paper mill in the TJnited States, went into operation
at Pittsburg, with an engine of sixteen borse power, on the principle of
Evans's. It employed forty persons, and consumed ten thousand bushels
(I) Thompaon's Annals of Philosophy, vol. 7, p. 162.
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232 STEAMBOATS — PACKilT AKD WAR SHIPS. [1816
of coal, and one hundred and tivontj thousand pounds of rags, anrl
made $30,000 worth of paper annnally.
Five steamboats were built this year on the western rivers, of wliich
the Vesta, oiie hundred tons, mas the first ever built at Cincinnati, A small
boat was built at Eendersonville, Ky. Tlie Washington, of foiir hundred
tons, constructed at Wheeling, with an engine made at BrownsTille, was
the first boat with her boilers above deck instead of in the hold, and was
also tlie first to prove, by making a round trip from Louisville to New
Orleans and back in forty-five days, the fitness of steamboats for the as-
fiending trade. The increase of steamboats from this time was rapid.
Shipbuilding was revived at Marietta, by the formation, in March, of a
large commercial and exporting company at that place.
The first steamboat on Late Ontario, was built this year at Sackett's
Harbor. She was named the " Ontario," and made her first trip in
April of the ensuing year.
Commercial intercourse with Europe was greatly facilitated by the com-
mencement this year of the first line of Packet ships. Three ships of three
hundred to four hundred tons, to sail on stated days abont once a month,
were put on the route by Jeremiah Thompson and Isaac Wright, and others.
By an act of Congress of 35tb April, Congress appropriated one
million dollars annually for eight years, for the general increase of the
navy. Nine sliips of not less than seventy-four guns each, and twelve
of forty-four guns, including one seventy-four and three forty-fonr gnn
ships previously ordered, were to be built, and the engines and imper-
ishable materials for three steam batteries were to be purchased.
Under this act large contracts were made for timber and other materials,
including 2,300 bolts of American canvas for about $49,100; eighty
tons of lead for $10,398 ; 500 tons of iron for $52,558, and a steam
engine of one hundred horse-power for $30,000. The Washington, of two
thousand tons, one of the seventy-four gun aliips referred to, was built
at Portsmouth, N, H., and was the first TJnited States ship of the line
ever launched. She sailed May 8th, from Boston, under Commodore
Chauneey, for Annapolis, to take out Mr. Pinckney as ambassador to
Naples.
The mannfacture of Cotton Sail Duck, commenced in 180S by Mr.
Bemis, near Boston, had been greatly increased on account of the
scarcity of foreign sail cloth, and the amount required for privateers
and merchant vessels, which raised the price of No. 1 duck to nearly one
dollar a yard. It was made of Sea Island Cotton, costing then twenty
to twenty-five cents a pound. During the first year of the war tho
manufacturers' sales were increased in Boston, and the article introduced
to the southern marltets; the article after 1812 being transported to
,y Google
1816] COTTON DUOK— POWER LOOMS — PATENTS. 333
Baltimore, Alexandria, and Richmond, on Ms own teams, wHcli,
after an espeilition of several months, returned with flour, tobacco, and
other southern products; in 1812-13 his sales in Baltimore, by one
.house, were about $20,000; and by another, in the last and present year,
over $21,000. He adopted this year the use of the Power Loom, which,
with other improvements, reduced the price in the next fifteen years to
thirty-fire cents a yard, the manufacture having been commenced by
others in the mean time.'
The eucouragement given to woolen manufacturers by the tariff of
this year, in which they were mentioned for the first time, prompted new
enterprises in that branch. In addition to the Maryland Soap and
Candle Factory, on a large scale, and the Warreu Cotton Factory at
Great Ganpowder FaUs, incorporated this year in Maryland, an exten-
sive woolen factory went into operation near Baltimore, and another at
the Little Falls of the Potoma«. In Ohio and neighboring parts of the
west, where an improved quality of wool was now produced, woolen
factories were increasing. At Steubenville, Ohio, a steam woolen factory,
in addition to cotton, paper, and other factories, was in operation,
owned by B. Wells & Co., and another large woolen mill, established
by Thomas Roach, near Kendall, ia Stark County.'
A new American Power Loom, to be worked by ateam or water-
power was invented and pat in operation in Boston, this year, by Mr.
E. Savage. It was of simple coustruetion, and was adapted for weaving
woolen cloths three yards wide, and the largest cotton sheets without a
Beam, fine shirtings, etc.
A patent was granted July 25th, to Cyrus Shepherd and J. Thorpe,
of Taunton, Mass., for an upright power loom which was already in
operation in the woolen mill of Mr. Shepherd, at that place. The same
parties were also granted, October 14, a patent for a socket bobbin-
winder, which was considered the best winding machine in use. It is
related by the late Mr. Appleton, that while bargaining with Mr. Shep-
herd for the right of using the winders on a large scale, it occniTed to
Mr. Lowell or Mr. Moody, of the Waltham Factory, that he could spin the
cops direct npon the bobbin, which cut short the negotiation and resulted
in the last great improvement in connection with the power loom, that
of spinning the filling directly on the cops without the process of wind-
ing. Mr. Moody took a patent (March 9) for winding spool yam.
(1) Third Annual Repor
tofBoEtonBoftrd
the
inoming, washed, uorded, and spun into
ofTr.ida for 1857.
yar
Q of eighleoQ outs to the ponnd, wove,
(2) At Richard Brown'
dje
.d, filled, dried, shorn and Bade into a
HoIUdaya Cove, Va.. four
miles ftoui Stan.
t and norn in the space of Inentj-fonc
benTlllc, the wool was alio
tEftoniashcoi.m
hov
ira.
i.Google
234
, AND PAPEE MACHINES, [1516
Jeptha A. WilkinsoD, of Otsego, M". Y., patented (July 3) a mnchine
for making loom reeds. This valuable machine, invented in 1813, was
first successfully pnt in operation in the manufactory of Sliarp, Roberts
& Co., Dean's Gate, Manchester, England. In 1833, the inventor re-
tnrned and estahliKlied a manafactory of reeds in Providence E,. I,
which, with the machine, he sold the same year to Arnold Wilkinson,
by whom the machine was mnch improved. The factory has been since
owned and much extended by Gorham & Angell, W. S. Humphreys &
Co., and Frederick Miller, the present or recent owner.
Patents were taken out by Jos. and Stinson Demund, N. J. (Jan.
IT), for making ardent spirits from corn and corn cobs; Daniel French,
Bridgeport, Pa. (April 23), turning buttons; John Morton, Southing!
ton, Ct. (June 13), wooden mould buttons; Joseph Derby, Worcester,
Mass. (April 30), stamping engravings on horn, etc. ; Hez. Eelby, Brook-
lyn, N. T. (May 11), extracting turpentine by steam ; Nathan Weston,
Reading, Mass. (May 24), cemented hats; David Beard, Guilfordi
N. C. (May 28), blocking hats; Eli Terry, Litchfield, Conu. (June 13)'
thirty-hour wooden clocks; Jesse Keed, Hanover, Mass. (August 1)',
making tacks. The inventor, a sou of Ezekiel Reed, for whom the
iuvention of cut nails and tacks has been claimed, had, at this time, six
machines in operation at Pembroke, with one of whicli a single liaud
had made 60,000 in a day. Six others then building, were sold, with
the riglit, to EJiflha Hobart, of Abington, for $11,000. They comileted
the tack at one operation. George Ellicott, Baltimore (Sept. 20), rolling
bar iron edgeways ; David Thacher, Tuckerton, N. J. (Oct. 34), plan for
erecting salt works ; Benjamin Hanks, Albany, N. Y. (Nov. 4), mould-
ing and casting bells ; Peter L. Lannay, Baltimore (Dec. 4)', elastic
water-proof leather ; John Adarason, Boston (Dec. 13), floating dry
docks. This patent was renewed by act of Congress, March 3, 1831 ;
Jacob Perkins and Thomas Gilpin, Philadelphia (Dec. 18), water marks
in paper, and Thomas Gilpin (Dec. 34), making paper. This patent
was for the first cylinder machine made or operated in this country.
The patentee, who, in addition to estensive paper manufactures, had, during
the war, erected large cotton and woolen factories on the Brandywine,
after the peace, resolved to suspend the cotton works and to increase
his paper manufacture. By the aid of all published dravviugs and works
on the subject, and much skill in drawing as well as mathematical,
mechanical and other scientific knowledge, he constructed a machine
differing somewhat from those in use in Europe, and in February of the
ensuing year, Poulson's "Daily Advertiser," in Philadelphia, was
printed on paper cat from a continuous sheet made on his machine. A
new edition of Lavoisne's Historical and Genealogical Atlas, was about
,y Google
1816] FINANCIAL AND MANUFACTDEINS DISTEESS. 235
two years after put to press by M. Ca.rey & Sons, on paper made
on Ma machines ; and samples (one of them writing paper of superior
quality) taken from a sheet 1,000 feet long and twenty-seven inches
wide, were deposited by the Messrs. Gilpins with the American Philo-
sophical Society in Philadelphia, The machine did the work of ten
paper vats.
The dangers which had for some time been seen by pruileiit men to
overhang the business of the country from an inflated and depreciated
IftlV P'^P" currency and other monetary causes, but espeeially from
the enormous importations of foreign manufactures, began already
to weigh heavily npon the mannfactnring and laboring classes. By a
resolution of Congress, paper money was not receivable for goveroment
dues after 20th February of this year, on which day the New York branch
of the XTnited States Bank went into full operation. On the same day
the other banks of New York, Philadelphia, Trenton, Baltimore, and
Richmond recommenced paying specie, and were followed, on 20th
March, by the Bank of Pittsburg and by other private banks in the
Middle, Western, and Soathern States. The amount of paper in cir-
culation was little reduced, however, nor had the ban'king mania been
abated. When it reached its height in the following spring, about two
hundred local banks had been projected in different parts of the Union.
The drain of specie, to pay the heavy balance against tlie country for im-
poits continued to embaiiaas trade and sDOnfo ledtlie banks to contract,
andmanj of them tobieik involving in immense depreciation of property
and entailing binkrnptcy upon many mdiuduals and companies.
The diatiesf, of the manufactureii — many of whom, particularly the
cotton maiinfaetuiers of Ehode Island an 1 other parts of New England,
had, dniing the last year entirely suspended operations — was made
knovin during the second session sf the fourteenth Congress, by upward
of foity memotials from ten difterent states presented to that body
between the 16th December and the 28th February Of these petitions,
twenty two weie upon the subject of bai iron and iron manufactures,
prmcipilly in New Toik New Jereey and Penn ylvatiia, with several
from Connect] ut Boston Kentucky and Yermont
The cotton and woolen manufacturers of Rhode Island and Connecti-
cut, and the umbrella manufacturers of Massachusetts and New York,
and the lead manufacturers of Illinois, each sent a memorial. Others
were presented on the subject of manufactures generally, viz. : two from
Berkshire, Mass., five from New York, two from Oneida county, and
one each from New Jersey, Pittsburg, Baltimore, and Philadelphia,
These memorials, to which were attached names of the highest re-
,y Google
2^^ MEMORIALS TO C0N0KE8S. [1817
Bpectability, though forcible in argument and pathetic in their appeals,
and in many inatances snpported by agents at Washington, were all
referred, without reading, to the Committee on Commerce and Manufac
tnrea, and few of them were evei reported upon The Pittsburg
memorial placed the prostrate c mdition if mannlactnres resultmg ftom
unlimited importations and the inadeqaaey of the taiifi m a stron„ light
and was printed for the use of members
The Oneida (N. Y.) memorialists sttted that that county cintained
a greater number of cotton and woolen mannlactoiies than anj in the
state, and that 1600,000 was investe I in them In spite of the utmost
efforts of their proprietors, more thai thiee fourths of them remained
closed, some of their owneis harmg been wholly ruined and others
struggling under the greatest embarrassments They could not belieye
that the Legislature of the Union w c uld remain an indifferent spectator
of the widespread ruin of their fellow citizens, and look on and see a
great branch of industry, of the utmost importance in every community
prostrated under cireumstances fatal to all future attempts at revival'
without a farther effort for relief" '
The distress exhibited in these memorials was common to the mann-
faoturinj; portions of the Union. The rapreseiitatlons of the numorial-
ists, numbering many thousands, met with httle more attention from the
Senate than the House Permission was successively granted them, on
motion of a member of the committee to whom they were referred to
"withdraw their papers » A bill for the rehef of the iron mastera was
however, lepoited in Febi nary, but was never called up for a third reading!
The farming, planting, and shipping interests were as yet exempt
from the!,e emhairassments, in consequence of the failure of two succes-
sive corn ciops in Europe, and the increased demand for cotton upon
the lesumption of manufactures after the general peace. Cotton, which
had been down to twelve cents a pound, sold, during the last and present
years, for about twenty-seven cents a pound. Flour rose from $9 50 a
barrel in 1814, to tlii.60 in 1816, and to fourteen dollars in February
of the present year, in Philadelphia, and was exported to the value of
$ir,750,O0O. The price of tobacco also increased from seventy-four
dollars per hogshead In 1814 to »185 in 1816, and an exportation of
63,365 hogsheads during the present year averaged $148. The agri-
cnltnrists, particularly of the South, were greatly enriched by their
crops. Although they enjoyed, under tlie recent tariff, that ample pro-
tection which they were reluctant to gi'ant the manufacturers, their own
prosperity was not of long continuance, and they soon expetienoed the
value of a home market for their produce.
The measures which principally affected the agricnltural classes, were
i.Google
1811] FROTEOnOM — NAVIGATION AOT. 231
tlie exclusion of American flour from British ports after JN'overnber of
this year, and the increased importations into that country of raw cotton
from India, ander the stininlus of high prices, induced by the rapid increase
of the manufacture, which impaired the profits of the American planter.
The importation of ladia cotton into England, had increased from 8,535
bags in 1802 to 117,454 bags in this year, and reached 247,604 in the
nest. The imports of cotton from America in 1802, were 107,494 bags,
and this year 198,917, and in the nest year was 205,881. The cotton
from Brazil had more than trebled in the same time, and in the nezt five
years American Uplands declined in price to nine and ten pence a
pound.
The importance of fostering domestic manufactures as a snpport to
the agriculture of the country, and as a national object, was referred to in
the first iimugnral address of President Monroe, as well as on subsequent
occasions daring his administration. They required the "systematic
and fostering care of the government," and we onght not to be depen-
dent upon other countries for supplies or capita), having abundant raw
materials that would be enhanced in value by creating a domestic
market.
J'olloiviag the example of his predecessor, the President wore on this
occasion, . a suit of American cloth from a Pawtucket maniifaotory.
Four fifths of the Legislature of Connecticut, were also, at this time,
clothed in domestic fabrics ; and at the close of its session, that body,
by reaolntion, recommended the use of American fabrics by the people
of the state, and declared the extension of cotton and woolen establish-
ments to be connected with the best interests of the state. A joint
committee of tlie New York Legislature, reported that the manufacturing
policy of Gfreat Britain was exclusive and calculated to crush Aroerioan
manufactures, involving immense suffering to the poor. It was resolved
to move Congress to grant snpport and protection, and all officials of
the government were recommended to wear home manufactures.
Among the acts of the National Legislature at this session, was one
approved March 1st, which was the first bearing properly the cliaractor
of a Navigation act, limiting importations to the vessels of the country in
which the goods were produced, restricting the bounty to fishing
vessels to crews of the United States, and excluding all but American
vessels from the coasting trade.
A discriminating tonnage duty, of two dollars per ton, was also laid on
3d Marcli, and, as a couutervailiug measure, the importation of plaster
of Paris from Nova Scotia, was prohibited.
Four townships, each six miles square (92,160 acres), of vacant
public land in Alabama— now Green and Marengo counties— were
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233 ASSOCIATIONS TO PItOMOTE ISDTISTRT. [1817
granted to Charles Yillar and Iiis associates, to enconras^e the cultiva-
tion of the vine and olive by French emigrants, wlio, ten years later,
had 271 acres nnder cultiration with vines, and about 388 olive trees.
The experiment did not, however, succeed.
In aid of efforts made to sustain manufactures, the " Deiaivare Society
for promoting American Manufactnres," was established at Wilmington,
Febrnai^ 15, and the "Pennsylvania Society for the Promotion of
Public Economy," at Philadelphia, May 13. The Delaware Society
soon after issued a circular, calling for such statistics and observations
upon practical economy as, aided by the voice of the people, might in-
fluence Congress in favor of American industry.
Abont the aame time, the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of
National Industry, composed of ten inflnential members, was formed in
that city. Its object was to advocate the protection of national in-
dustry in general, but more particularly for manufactnres perishing for
w»nt of protection. It exerted considerable influence upon the public
mind during' the next few years, chiefly through a series of published
addresses, most of them from the pen of Matthew Carey, who, in this
connection, first appeai-ed as the ardent and uncomptomising advocate
of protection, and for several years labored in behalf of the manufac-
turer with a zeal and a disinterestedness seldom equalled. These
societies, the " Metropoiitan Society" of Washington, Georgetown, and
Alexandria, and others with similar objects in Baltimore, Lancaster,
Rome and other places in New York, Middletown, Hartford, Litchfield,
and elsewliere in New England, New Jersey, and the Western States,
were organized early in this year, mainly through the efforts of the
American Society for the Encouragement of American Manufactnres, in
New York, of which D. D. Tomkins, "Vice President of United States,
was president. It had published and circulated five thousand copies of
an address to the people, and sent delegates to Washington, who held
meetings in dilFerent places to excite a general interest in the subject.
On llth July, the American Society held a meeting and elected Presi-
dent Monroe, and Messrs. Adams and Jefferson, members of the Society,
and were honored with the attendance of the President, then returning
from a tour tO the East, who commended highly the objects of the
Society.
In April, the Generiil Manufacturing Law of the State of New York,
was so amended, chiefly through the agency of Gideon Lee, as to
enable the manufacturers of Morocco and other Leather to become incor-
porated under the act, with capitals not exceeding $60,000, to be located
only in Greene and Delaware counties.
Under this law, the " New York Tannery" was organized in May, by
,y Google
1811] HEMLOCK lEATHEE — ERIi: CANAL — SALT, 239
an enterprising company, and under tlie auperintendcnec of William
Edwards and Son a tinnoiy calculated for five thousand hides — the
fli-st wholly under covei in the United States — was erected at Hunter, in
Greene Conntj, on the Sohohaiie kill, twenty miles west of the Hudson,
and in the midst of tlie hemlock foiests of the Catskill Mountains, having
twelve hundred acres of land attached. The first leather was sent tn
market from this legion in the autumn of the next year. In 1833, the
Messrs, Edwards, aided by Jacob Lorillard, whose came is associated
with those of Edwaids, Lee and Pratt, as one of the founders of the
leather trade in the United States, purchased the real estate of the
Company, which had been unsuccessful, and greatly enlarged the business
and added new improveraents in machinery. Other large tanneries had
been erected in tlie mean time, and thenceforward the Catskill region
became the principal source of leather for the New York market, pre-
vionsly supplied with hemlock leather from Connecticut, Massachnsett=;,
and Vermont, and with oak-tanned leather from the Middle States of
the Union.
On the 15th April, the Legislature of New York passed an act of the
highest importance, creating a fund for the construction of the Erie,
Ohamplaii) and Hudson Canal, the commencement of its stupeodouH
system of internal improvements. A report of the commissioners, under
an act of ihe previous year, estimated the cost at 15,152,138, but the
actual cost amounted to |S,40I,394. The judicions system of finance
embodied in the act, and in the main embraced in the celebrated
memorial drawn up by De Witt Clinton, and presented with more than
one hundred thousand signatures to the Legislatnre, in 1816, included a
duty on goods sold at auction, and raised the duty on salt made in the
state from three to twelve and a half cents a bushel, pledging the
revenues from these sources for the payment of the canal debt, which
was efl'ected in about nineteen yeai-s. Ground was first broken for this
great work, at Rome, on the 4th July, and it was completed on 26th
October, 1836.
The United Sutes Salines, twenty-six miles below the month of the
Wabash, recently leased by government to Messre. Wilkins & Morri-
son, of Lexington, yielded at this time, about three hundred thousand
bushels annually, and supplied the settlements of Illinois and Indiana at
from fifty to seventy-five cents a bushel. Some beds of rock salt had
been lately discovered on a fork of the Canadian, one of the head waters
of the Arkansas river, between the latter and tlie Red river, Postle-
thwaites, and some other salt works on the Sabine and Red rivers,
furnished that part of the country with salt at one to two dollars a
barrel, from salt Hprings. Considerable salt was made at variouB salines
i.Google
240 STEAMBOATS — EKaiNES — PAPEE — PATENTa [18U
throughout tlie west, but those of Kentncty and upon the Conemaugh
and Kenhawa ware by far the most productive.
Eight steamboats were built, this year, on the western rivers. On the
2d Angast, the General Pike, Captain Jacob Reed, a low pressai'e boat,
bnilt at Lonisville, arrived at St. Louis, being the first tliat ever ascended
the Mississippi to that placce. The first steamboat or vessel of any
kind ever built in Alabama, was this year constructed at St. Stephens,
by Messrs. Browa & Bell, natives of Darien, Conn., who had learned
the business in New York, to which city they returned, in 1819, to con-
ductfor many years an eztenaive business, in the ship-yard of their former
employers, at the foot of Stanton street,
A manufactory of steam and firo engines, mill machinery, brass and
copper castings, etc., but chiefly of engines for steamboats, was
established in Cincinnati. It employed two air and one cnpola furnace,
fifteen smith's forges, with the requisite raaehinery, one hundred men,
and a capital of |80,000, and manufactured products to the market value
of $130,000, but was compelled entirely to suspend operations dui-ing
the pressure of 1820-31. Another machine factory, established the next
year, suffered great depression from the same cause; as did also manufac-
turers of brasg-wort, wooden eiooJts, glas,?, printing presses, etc., etc.
Within the last and present years, an nnnsnal number of manufacturing
establishments, in different parts of the country, were destroyed by fire.
On the 9th of August, a storm of wind and rain, of uncommon violence,
caused an immense destruction of mill-dams, mills, factories, forges,
bridges, etc., upoa the Atlantic seaboard, particularly in Philadelphia,
Baltimore and their vicinities.
The Fly-frame was this year introduced into England, from the
TJnited States, and was afterward patented there by J. C. Dyer, an
American.
Thomas Amies, of the Dove Paper Mills, Lower Merion, Montgomery
county, Pa., eight miles from Philadelphia, produced a sample of paper,
thirty-sis by twenty-six inches, weighing one hundred and forty pounds,
and valned at $125 per ream, believed to be superior to any ever made
in the TJnited States. It was made from the finest linen rags, and the
moulds and felts were of the best kind.
The patents issued this year numbered one hundred and seventy-three,
or seventy more than the average of the twenty-seven years since the
organization of the office. The list included the following : Benjamin
and John Tyler, Claremont, N. H. (Feb. 1), manufacturing scythes;
Genet Troost, Philadelphia (March 3), alum from lignite ; John L.
Sullivan, Boston (March 24), propelling boats by the application of
condensed air; Joseph Webb, New York (May 3), rotary dry dock;
,y Google
1817] SCUEWS — TACK MACHINE — ARMS. 241
Phineaa Bow and Daniel Treadwell, Boston (Aug. 8), mannfactaring
screws. Tliis was for a machine to be operated by steam, water, or horse
power, whicli, from a coil of wire, cut, headed, grooved, polished, and
finished wood screws, at the rate of ten in a minute, and requiring no
manual power except to coil on a reel, and applj one end of the wire.
Jean B. Aveilhe, New York (Ang. 28), a sugar mill ; Samuel Rogers
and Thomas Blanchard, Boston (Oct. 3), a brad and tack machine.
This machine was invented by Blanchard in 1806, at the age of eighteen,
and several times improved by him while acquiring the means to introduce
it. The material was put into a tube or hopper, and was delivered in
the form of tacks, with heads and points more perfect than could be
made by hand, at the rate of five hundred in a minute. A half ounce
weight would balance a thousand. He sold the patent, for $5,000, to
a company, who went extensively Into the manufactnre. W. R. Eagles-
ton, Baliraore (Oct. i), setting natural and artificial teeth; George P.
Hagner, Philadelphia (Oct. 13), manufactuiing verdigris, and another
of same date, for making white lead ; Francis Hall, Charlestown, Mass.
(Nov. 28), a lint loom; Moses Hall, Charlestown, Mass. (Dec. 31),
dyeing and polishing morocco.
The number and species of arms made ami repaired at the national
armories, and the expenditures upon the works, from their establishment
1818 *** ^^^ *'"'^ °^ *^* ^^^ ^^"''' ^^''^ ^ follows, via : Muskets made
** ° at Springfield Armory, from 1795 to 181T, 128,559; repaired,
45,800; carbines made, 1,303; total expenditure, $1,820,123. At
Harper's Perry Armory, from 1198 to ISIT, muskets made, 82,72T;
repaired, 5,379 ; rifles made, 11,870 ; pistols made, 4,100 ; expenditures,
$1,858,398. The average cost, including transportation, etc., of each
musket at Springfield, was $13.56 ; at Harper's Perry, |14.25."
An act of Congress, concerning navigation, approved AprilJgth,
closed the United States ports against British vessels, coming from or
touching at British colonial ports, from which TTnited States vessels were
excluded. The owners, or consignees of British vessels, taking on board
produce or manufactores of the United States, were to give bond in
double the value of such merchandise, not to land it in British colooial
ports, from which American vessels were excluded.
By an act of Parliament, and order in Council, of 8th and 3Tth May,
the ports of HaHFax, Nova Scotia, and St. John, New Brunswick, were,
in consequence, opened to American vessels.
On the 20th April, Congress repealed the discriminating tonnage, and
other doties, so far as related to the Netherlands, and on 24th July, the
(1) Sejliort, m.
16
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242 ACTS OF CONGRESS — DUTIES — IRON. [1S18
Presiclent by proclamation extended the principle of eqail ty of trade
to the free Hansettic city of Biemen which had abohshed its counter
Tailing and diBcnmmitiiig duties
By an act of the sifoe date the foUowing mcieaaed duties iiPie to he
levied, after the 30th June in lieu of the existing lates On articles
manTifacturfd wholly or principally from copper and on mItci plited
saddlery, coach ind harness fnimtnie twenty hve per cent ad valorem ,
on cat ghss thirty per cent , on tacks biads ind "prigs, not exceed
ing fiixteen ounces to the thousand, fi\e cents per thousand, other
tacks, etc., the same as nails; on brown Russia sheetings, one dollar and
sixty cents ; white ditto, two dollars and fifty cenis per piece.
At the solicitation of the iron masters of New Jersey and Pennsylvania,
who, through Mr. William Milnor, represented the prostrate condition
of their manufacture. Congress also enacted, April 20th, the following
increased duties, in place of those previously levied on iron and its
manufactures, and upon alnm. On pig iron, fifty cents, on iron castings,
. seventy-five cents per cwt. ; on nails, fonr cents, spikes, three cents, and
anchors, three cents, a pound ; on alum, two doUare per cwt.; on iron
io bars and bolts, not mannfaetiired by rolling, seventy-five cents per
cwt., leaving itstiji charged with only ore half tiie duty payable enrolled
(English) iron. The collection laws were also amended to prevent
numerous frauds.
Hammered bariron, which, in I8U, was $125 to $115 a ton in the
seaports of the United States, was at this time sold for $90 to $100, but
in Pittsburg, was worth $190 to $200, and in Cincinnati, $200 to $220,
Castings and hollow-ware in the latter place, were worth $120 to $130.'
The duty was raised, by the above act, from nine to fifteen dollars per
ton, and enabled many of the iron works which had been nearly rained
by the large importations the last two or three yeara, to resume the
mani^acture. In about twelve years the price of bar iron in the
(1) At, ZaneEville, Ohio, whero Mr. Dillon Seiidn^ce i« Iho Umied Slates. There were
tad n large irou forge, foundry, Bnd saw other furnaces and forges in Iiicliing and
and flour mills, ordijuiryoasOngs -were made Adama counties, and other parte of Ohio,
for Sl20 per ton, and for maehinery eight Western Vlrsinja, and KflDtnoky, and air-
oents a pound. The hest Swedish bar iron fonndries at Staubenville and olher plaoes.
(hammerBd) Bold for $11.50, Juniata burs On King's oreelt, eight miles from thslatter,
at$ll, and Dillon's at tl 2.60 per ewt. The in Brooke county, Va„ a forgo and nirnaoe
Zanesville, was$10percwt., and from Now iromverestill imported from the Juniatannd
Orleans to Shippingsport by steamboat, and Lnnrel Hill regions, in Pennsylvania, which
thence by boata to Zaneavilte, SB.50 perewt. Iiad eitenaiye iron works in the rioinitiel
The wages of laborers was $100 to $120 ofBedford,ana OonnelsHUo. Astoalmflnn.
per annum and found. Coals delivei'ed, factory bad been in sneceastal operation at
Bight oenfB por bnshel.— PoJfal/'i Yenv's Brownstiiie, for soTOral years.
,y Google
1818] STfiA.MBOATS — silltman's jotjknai, 243
Atlantic cities, fell to seTenty-fwe or eighty-five dollars, and in tlie western
cities above named, to about iifty dollars below the price at this time, or
to $100 and $110.
The qaantitj of bar and bolt iron imported for the year ending 30th
June, was, of rolled iron, 42.312 cwt., and of hammered, 463,193 cwt. ;
and the exports in the year ending September 30th, were, of cut and
rolled 24,430 cwt., hammered 9,902 cwt.
An iron fonndry at Cincinnati employed, at this time, eighty hands,
and was engaged in malting engines and iron works for seven
steamboats.
■ The whole number of stcamljoats constructed this year on the western
waters, principally on the Ohio, was abont thirty, and their success
having been fnlly established, the bnsiness thenceforward rapidly in-
creased ; Cincinnati and Pittsburg taking a lead in it. About twenty-
seven steamboats, with an aggregate tonnage of near four thousand
tons, traded with New Orleans from the upper and adjacent country.
The Post-office Department was about to employ steamboats to carry
the mails on the Ohio and Mississippi. John Alien, Esq., of PhiMel-
phia, was granted, by the Emperor of Austria, the exclusive privilege
for fifteen years, of carrying passengers and merchandise from Trieste to
Venice by steam. In the harbor of New Yovlt, steamboats were suc-
cessfully employed in towing large and heavily laden ships into port, at
the rate of fonr miles an hour, against wind and tide. On the 38th
May, the iirst Lake Erie steamboat, called after an Indian chief "Walk
in the Water," was launched at Black Rock, on the Niagara river, near
Buffalo, and on 23d August sailed, under Captain Fish, for Detroit,
In the next two years she made three trips to Mackinaw with troops
and stores, and in July following, with two hundred passengers and a
large cargo went to Mackinaw and Green Bay, in Wisconsin, being the
first steamer that Boated on Lake, Michigan. She was wrecked near
Buffalo, in Nov. 1822.
The number of Manufacturing Companies established in the State ot
New York, up to June of this year, under the general act of that state,
was one hundred and twenty-nine, with a capital of $7,142,500, in ad-
dition to many large individual establishments.
In July of this year the " American Journal of Science and Arts" was
established, to be issued in fonr quarterly numbers, of not less than two
hundred pages each with illustrations. It was the iirst journal in the
United States which embraced in its plan the entire circle of the Physi-
cal Sciences and their applications to the arts. Under the editorship
of Professors B. Silliman, B. Silliman, Jr., Dana, and other able collators,
,y Google
24i mechanics' exhibition— imports and Bspoass. [1818
it has continued to the present time, a valuable vehicle of sound
liigwledge on these subjects.
On the 4th July, the " Association of Mechanics of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts," held their lirst public exhibition of premium articles.
In making the awards, preference was given — other things being equal —
first to apprentices and next to journeymen before master mechanics.
The Society had existed twenty-three years, and been incorporated
twelve years. Two years after, the Apprentices' Library, in Boston, was
established under its supervision.
The imports, this year, were still very heavy, amounting to
$131,150,000, of which over $102,250,000 in value was retained for
consumption. The value of domestic exports, though greater than in
any other year previous to 1833, only discharged $T3,85i,431 of the
indebtedness. The drain of specie was therefore very great, and the
ports of Boston and Salem are said to have exported five millions of
specie within twelve months. The increase in the value of the exports,
consisted largely of cotton, of which a greater quantity and value was
exported than in any previous year, amounting to nearly 192,500,000 lbs.,
worth, as cotton then sold, |31,S34,258, or more than forty-two per cent,
of the whole domestic exports. The average price of all kinds of cotton
at the place of shipment, was tbirty-fonr cents, and in Liverpool, about
twenty pence sterling, from which it soon after declined, notwithstanding
the rapid increase of the mannfacture in Europe and America.^
The returns of exports for the year, included the first from Alabama,
to the value of $95,851 ; and those of Sooth Carolina, Georgia and
Louisiana, were largely increased, being in the last two greatly in excess
of any previous year, and probably due, in a great measure, to the in-
creased production of cotton and sugar. The States of Mississippi and
Louisiana sold cotton to the value of two millions of dollars in New
Orleans, which this year increased its trade more than one-fifth. The
parish of Rapides alone produced crops which, at the current price of
cotton, sold for $400,000. The price of lands and the incomes of
planters were in consequence greatly augmented, many of the latter
realizing $30,000, and in some instances |80,000, and even $120,000 per
annum from the produce of their estates. Even laborers had been
known, during the last winter, to make each $100 per diem with eight
(1) Ths qnantity of cotton niannfactnrod mimnfaoturBct 105,000,000 jarda of ootion
in EDgland this year, was tibout ir2,()OO,O0O cloth, valued at five million pounde sterliDg.
pounds, an inoreaSB of forty-seven pet cant. The declared Talne of cotton mannfaoturos
in one year, and of nearly a hundi'ed per exported from England, was fB9,5flO,000.—
cent, in two years. The city at Glasgow U. S. Treaiury Report 1B35-36,
,y Google
1813] COTTON — aOUTHEBN TACTOItlES — MERINO SHEEP. 245
or ten mules, in dragging cotton a few hundred yards from the river to
the warehouses, at tlie rate of one dollar por bale.
Manj cotton mills, in Great Britain, were at this time adapted or
built expressly to conanme the cheaper cotton of Bengal and Surat,
which conaequentlj interfered greatly with the inferior qnalitics of Up-
land, from the United States. The exportation of cotton from India
dui-ing the first bix months of this year, was one hundred thousand bales
in excess of the whole amount exported in the previous twelve months,
and its consumption in England was iiicreaseil twenty-six thousand
bales, while that of Amei-ican cotton was decreased twelve thousand
bales. The price of cotton began therefore to decline rapidly toward
the end of the year, and many shippers during the next ten or twelve
months sostained heavy losses, computed in the aggregate at four
millions of dulJai-s to the mercantile classes, and at six millions in the
incomes of the planters, a necessary conbequence of the heavy importa-
tions of cotton from all parts of the world.
The first Cotton Factoiy in North Carolina, was established this
year, at the Falls of Tar, or Pamlico river, in Edgecombe county,
which was followed in 182a, by another near Lincolnton, on the
Catawba. The former employed, in 1820, about twenty hands, and two
hundred and eighty-eight bpindles, and consnmed eighteen thonsand
pounds of cotton.
The first annual message of President Monroe, in December of last
year, spoke of the preservation of mannfactures — which depended on
due encouragement— as connected with the high interests of the nation.
His second message, on 11th November of this year, referred to the pro-
visions of the act of 20th April, amending the collection laws, as having
secured to them all the relief to be derived from the protecting duties
laid on imports, under which several brandies had assumed greater ac-
tivity, and others would probably revive and ultimately triumph over all
obstacles. It suggested, however, the expediency of granting further
protection.
The first Merino Sheep in Illinois — which was this year admitted as
a state — were introduced into Edwards county, by Mr. George PJowers,
an English gentleman, who, with Mr. Morris Birkbeek and a large
number of their countrymen, formed a settlement at Albion, Mr.
Flowers for many years bred improved stocks of sheep with much suc-
cess, from twelve of the finest wooled merinos, selected by himself, from
the royal flocks of Spain, and from those belonging to the monks of
Paula and other Spanish convents.' Several hundred merinos were
(IJ Hnira HuteB on the "VTostsrn Slataa.
,y Google
24G FLANNELS JEWELKY — "WINE — SALT— CaEMICALS. [1818
takeD, during .the last year, to Meadville, Pennsylvania, by Judge
GriCQth, of Nqw Jersey, and H, J. Huidelioper, agent of the Holland
Land Company, and became the source of many fine flocks in Crawford
county.
Flannels were at this time made at Chelmsford (Lowell), Mass., by
Winthrop Howe, and satinets by Thomas Hard. Gunpowder was also
made there by Moses Hale. Four years later, the gunpowder mills of
Tileston, Whipple, and Hale, were on a large scale with a stamping mill
of forty pestles, capable of making from three to four thousand casks, of
twenty-five pounds each, per annum. The proprietors had nearly com-
pleted a much larger factory near the former, on the Concord river-
Their manufacture was known &s "Boston Gunpowder."
A Springfield, Mass., paper advertised for sale, one thousand yards
of " Straw Carpeting," from four to six quarters wide, and at twenty-
eight, thirty-seven, and forty-two cents a yard.
The manufacture of Jewelry in Providence, E. I., which had been
nearly abandoned in the last two years, was revived this year, and in two
more years reached double its former product, or $600,000 per annum.
Dr. Dyer, of Providence, planted about forty acres of land, near the
city, with currant bushes, for the manufacture of currant Wine. It became
profitable, and in a few years was e.xpected to yield two hundi'ed pipes
of wholesome and pleasant wine.
At Vevay, Indiana, nearly five thousand gallons of wine, which sold
at one dollar a gallon, was made this year. Each family had a small
vineyard attached to its farm,^
The New England Glass Company, was incorporated and established
at East Cambridge (Leehmere's Point), one of the most extensive Flint
Glass manufactories in the country. Two flint furnaces and .twenty-four
glass-entting mills, operated by steam, and a red-lead furnace, capable
of making two tons of red lead per week, enabled them to prodace every
variety of fine, plain, mould, and the richest cut glass, as Grecian lamps,
chandeliers for churches, vases, antique and transparent lamps, etc., for
domestic supply, and exportation to the West Indies and South America,
Virginia coal, New Orleans lead, Delaware sand, and other native
materials, were used. The capital was about $80,000, and the annual
product 165,000.
Salt works on a large scale, were erected at Lewistown, Delaware, to
manufacture salt by solar evaporation.
The manufacture of copperas, alum, oil of vitriol, aquafortis, salts,
soap, etc., was carried on at Stoubenville, Ohio, by a Mr. Gibbs, from
Scotland.
(1) Cobbctt'sYeur'sBeeiaenoe, etc.
,y Google
1818} KESTUOKY PACTOHIEB — PATENTS. 217
A large Sugar Ecflnerj was put in operation ia May, at Louisville,
Kj., by Malta & Jacobson, which made about three hundred loares of
five pounds each, or fifteen hundred pounds of refined sugar every
twenty-foar hours. The largest Soap and Candle factory in the western
oonntry, was at Louisville. It was owned by Peterson & Co., and pro-
duced twelve thousSnd pounds of soap per week, and one thousand
pounds of candles daily, and had a capital of |20,000. Chewing
tobacco, snuff, and segars, were made to the value of $8,000 per annum.'
A manufactory of Cloths, superfine and coarse Flannels, Blankets and
Paper, at Lexington, Ky., said to be the largest and best supplied with
machinery of any in the TJnited States, was this year compelled to sus-
pend operations on account of foreign importations. Its capital was
$150,000, and it employed two hundred men, consuming one hundred
thousand pounds of wool and one hundred tons of rags, the yearly pro-
duet of which was $iOO,000. Of eight manufactories of cotton bagging,
at the same place, only one was in operation in 1830, in which year
there were in the county, five manufactories of cotton yam, two of
cassiraeres, cassinets, cloths, etc., twelve of cordage, twine, and bagging,
and one of cordage and sail duck j nearly all of which had either ceased
operations or greatly reduced their business. There were otiier manu-
factories of cotton and wool, paper, gunpowder, soap and candles, red
and white lead, etc. ; bells and other brass and iron castings ; beer, etc.
in Lexington and vicinity.
The valne of the rags collected in the United States for the use of
paper makers, was estimated at $900,000 per annum.
Patents. — To Jeremiah Black, Northumberland, Pa. (Jan. 17), an
Archimedean screw; Eb. Jenks, Colebrook, Conu. (Jan. 28), converting
iron partially into steel; Cyrus Jacksou, Otsego, N, Y. {Feb. 11),
auger for boring square holes ; W. S. Langworthy, Ballston, N. Y.
(Feb. 28), and Lynus North, Otsego, N. Y. (May 28), metallic
combs;' D. Pettibone, Philadelphia (April 10), machine for cutting
combs ; another to same (Aug. 11), for manufacturing combs ; Sylvester
Nash, Harper's Ferry, Ta. (April 11), Seth Yonngs, Hartford, Conn.,
(May 1), and Asa Waters, Middleburg, Mass. (Dec .19), each forturning
gun barrels ; also to D. Dana and A. Holmead, Canton, Mass, (Aug. 24)
for lathes for turning gun barrels ; Cyrus Eastman, Hillsborough, N. h!
(April 16), rolling metallic tubes; Adam Ram age, Philadelphia (May
23), printing pre^es;' A. Wheeler, Concord, Mass. (Juno 10), dis-
(1) MoMartrie's Sketobes of Louievilie. toga connty two jeora later, and the aptide
(2) A manufactory of brosa oomta made was in mneh dsniaDd.
from brass wire was in operatiuii in Sara- (3) A patont Laud prosa, called tho Co-
,y Google
248 PATENTS — FINANCIAI, DISTILESS. [1818
charging a gnu seven or more times ; John B. Breithler, H"ew Orleans,
La. (Jane 13), machine for grinding sugar cane ; Samuel Rogers,
Bridgewater, Mass. (June 24), foiling mill for sheet iron ; Abraham L.
Pennock and J". Sellers, Philadelphia (July 6), two patents, one for Lose
or leather tubes and one for mail bags. The first of these patents was
an important improrenjent in fire apparatns, which had been eight or
ten years in use, and consisted in making the hose of sole-leather by
overlapping aud riveting with copper or iron rivets, instead of sewing,
and since esclusively practiced. Riveted hose was irst introduced by
the Philadelphia Hose Company, for whom it was executed by Messrs,
Sellers, Pennock & Morris, No. 231 Market street, whose successors still
carry on the business. The male and female connecting screw aud
swivel joint for connecting different sections of hose, was the invention
of Jacob Perkins, who introduced it with the rivetted hose into England
in 1819, George F. Valentine, Albany, N. Y. (Aug. 26), crystallizing
tin ; Edmund Warren, New York (Aug. 27), a loom. This improved
loom, which was qnite simple in construction, and cost only ten dollars,
wound the clotli on the beam as it was woven, and the yarn was taken by
the same process. It could be extended to weave any breadth, and a
peraon accostomed to it could weave sixty yards a day. The patentee
subsequently took oat seven patents for threshing machines. Lewia
Tiales, New Orleans, La, (Oct. 29), a cotton inspecting machine ; Aaron
M. Peaseley, Boston, Mass. (Nov, 11), organs; David Melldlle, New-
port, R. L (Nov, 13), argand lamps.
The embarrassments which had been pressing heavily upon the mann-
faeturing classes since the peace — chiefly in consequence of the unchecked
1Q10 ioiportation of foreign goods, and the vitiated state of the
lolif national currency — culminated this year in the severest snfi'erings
of a large portion of the community, which became inrolved in financial
distress. Importations having been for several years, and still continuing
greatly in excess of the exportations, according to the immutable laws
of trade, the balance had to be paid principally in solid money, of which,
lambisn Fress, Tras this year iDtroi
England in an improved form,
George Cljmor of Ponnajlmnia,
ventor. In the sljle of finish anc
nore much
in lie fsfur. The
1 press uf Mr,
Rum age wa
sprobiiblyiinlmpr
Dvement upon
IheScolchp
rosB, invented by hi
Mr. Ru6hve
a oC Edinburgh, o
here about
thifl time by the
patentee. It
was ma=h e
isteemed for fine '
ivork, but was
Boon after
superseded by the
1 introdnotion
of rollers fo
r which it was not
. adapted.
i.Google
1819] COMMERCIAL REVULBION — FALL IN TRICES. 249
the augiiei tuJ tiile with India and Cluni ' had absorbed a Hrge pro
portion Ihe Link of the United fetatea had been eomj elle 1 to import
spei-ie in the hist sixteen months of its opeiations to the amount of
over seven ai d a qniiter railbons at a cost of mort, than a half a million
of dollaia The exportation of specie duiing the same period was
uppo ed tc hive exceeded the impoitati n by the bin! 3 ind mdiviiuals
J he metallic cur e icy lemainin^ m the coiintiy insteal of enterit g
into cucuUtion had since the resnmption of specie payments in 1811
remained in the vaults of the banks until drawn )ut dt a prpmium for
espoitation The paper cnrrency had at tl e sime time been violently
tyntncted liom an aggregate in 1815 and I8IP of one hindied and
ten mill tns to tbout foitj five milluns at this time — a lednction of
fitti nine pei ceit — thereby leducing puces and checking entei prises
Cicated b} lis pienona undue e'ipansion While the banks weie thus
contiactmg their discounts the piincipal Amenein staples began toward
the close of the last year to decline rapillyfiom the high pi ce they had
coramtided for a number of years m foreign raaikets The reluctioii
in the puce of cotton and breadstuffs boon leachud fifty p^i cent and
the lossei therebj sustained rendered additional loan, ueies ary to
the meichaiit it a timt when it was must difficult to obtiiu thein The
result WIS most disastrous botli to the merchant and the agncultunst
But u^on the manufacturer — oveibome ly untquil comietiticn with
his foreign iiTal and suffeiing equally «ith the me chant anl farmer
from the inibihty of all class.es to purchiae — the change fell with
crushing weight Thf ptice of raw cotton continupd to iecline with
consideral le nnif irmity from this time for vard for at least i quirter
of a cent my
riour had also gradually fallen off fiom its high pnce of ten to fif
teen dollars a biuel in 181T to five 01 sii in the picbet t year in do
mestie potts and tobacco frjm $l.is m 1S11 to $110 n this yeai and
$15 lu 1823 A Iikf depiecntion m ther ciops o^eatly diminished the
po«ei of a lai^e poition of the population to pniLhise mannfacturc!
01 even to disci ai^e obhgations alre^y contiacted m iiitic patiou of
their revenues 4. general paialysis now fell upon all branches of in
dustry The di tiess becime more generil and severe tl an had ever
beei kno n d 1 ut httle aUeviatioa was eJ.penenced for several years
to one The baife suffered fiom lack f lecio BanliuitL sever
(1) Th* importHtion of apeols into fhe probably not more than one-Lalf ihe iotal
,y Google
250 S R O KQ PER ES.
km p w
ddw h dn mpd
Id w
dpdl" ddn dhd
h F dwh w dM
w d fl h g
a whwn amk
Tff mm wm EdI
Nw'ik nw Tm pr
ii m h p w (
h nd !i ra h n
p m h d d
ddd h dT IdphdP
ffdm dWn g PP
h d T h ff P
p d h p m
Lg pd g dpp
d mmw dC mh
from ike a^-ornto of 1814 and 1816 h
t $2 617,833. Iq 1819 the hoada num
tmtnbor uf nerpons euiployad, from 1 4 t
be a ly B72, and the value of their
2,137 i in their weekly wogea, from $58 10
m fnolures was S8S2,0(10. In the steam
to $ia,S22i and It tbeir annaa! ear y
from $3,033,f09 to $6fl6,7J4. lb t 1
f m 10 lo 24, and the value of their work
loss of trogos wae therefore $2,366 966 p
f m$i(IO,000 to 840,600. In glM! "orka
unnum ; and supposing the materml q I
d g! putting tho hands were redneed
to tliBir wages, the loas of product
fr 169 to 40, and the product from
dustrj in a single distriot, not fort m 1
$ 5 000 to $35,060 ; the reduction in flint
In diameter, woa $T,333,3?0. In th
gl 1 no having been STS.OOO. In the
roanufaetiire the bands were reduo I f m
m f ture of oolton, wire, umbrellas.
a,325,inl8lB,tol49iinboofepnna g,f m
y 11 w q eeiiBware, pipes, and linen, there
241 tnlTO; in the potteries, from ]32t 7
was 1 nger a single hand employed.
In the woolen branch, from 1226 to 260
(2) Th actions for debt in the Pennsjl-
iron eaetingB, ftom 1162 to 62; i p p
rta this year were 11,637, and the
hanging and cotds, from 18B to S2, I th
mb f judgments confesaed was 10,326,
paper mannfactoro in Ihoir Tiei t h
1 of half as many more before
hands were rsijucod from 950, in 1S16 t
J The imprisonments for debt in
ITS, and their annual wages from S347 060
th ty nd county of Philadelphia wore
to $45,90a ; the annual produotio f
1868
iJ6U,001) toS136,000. Aoommittee f I
i.Google
1819] PKOTECno — ITS. 251
of tlie state, complaining t -he lasfcatrnggles of
dissolution, estates were s; agriculture was de-
clining, internal trade was < aormant, and thou-
sands were idle.
"The wants and calamitiss of irpnaition radionl in its
oliarftOtar, and vigorous in dio m£ ,etj man sees and faela
to the vergo of deatrue.
that th
tien, a-
ndthal
; nothing
sliort of
tures I
lan affi
)rd any r
elief. Th(
stands
apont
way, nor
will Oenfir
In Ehode Island, New York, and other manufactnring districts,
similar reductions of labor, and sacriiices of mills and property for a
fraction of their original cost, were quite common, many establishments
being entirely broken up.
The question of protection to the manufacturing interests began
ouce more to be agitated as indispensable, and numerous appeals were
made from various quarters to Congress for its interposition. Many
able advocates appeared in behalf of legislative measures, considered
of vital importance to a class threatened with total rain, and among
the most able was Matthew Carey, of Philadelphia.
The duties on imports were already as high as Congress deemed it
prudent to go. But the Secretary of the Treasury, on 8th February, in
conformity with a resolution of the House of 20th April last, reported
on the propriety of laying specific duties upon articles then charged ad
valorem, and proposed a schedule of snch articles, with specific rates
attached, greatly higher than the existing ad valorem duties.
Acts were passed on 3d March, altering the duties on certain wines
and the bounties to fishing vessels ; also for the more eifectual suppres-
sion of the slave trade and of piracy.
In consequence of a resolution of inquiry of December last, it was
announced to the Senate by the Committee on Military Affaii-s, that by a
regulation of the proper department, preference was now given to
domestic manufactures in clothiug the army, when they were to be had
on reasonable terms, rendering a law on the subject unnecessary.
About the 24th May, the steamship Savannah, of 380 tons, the first
that ever crossed the Atlantic, left Savannah, Gfeorgia, for Liverpool,
where she arrived ou 30th June. Having consumed all her coal in ten
or twelve days, the remainder of the voyage was made under canvas.
She was built hj Croker & Fickett, Corlears Hook, K Y., and com-
manded by Captain Moses Rogers, who had been in command of Pulton's
boat, the " Clermont," and of the Phcenix, on the Delaware. She pro-
,y Google
252 WESTERN STEAMBOATS — AMEBIOiN lITHOaKAPHT. [1819
eeeded to St. Petersburg,'' taking in Lord Lyndock t &to 1 1 1e ! o
presented the captain a silver teakettle, with an inscrij t on xpre s Te f
his pioneer character, and in October returned to Savinnal n twenty
two days nnder sail. She subsequeatly ran as a sailing packet 1 etween
New York and Savannah, until lost in 1822.
On the 19th May, the steamboat Independence, Capta n ticlson 1 u 16
at Pittsburg in the last year, arrived at Franklin (Bnonsl ck) on the
Missouri, in seven sailing days from St. Loais, with fioar ingi w! sky
iron castings, etc., having be&n the first to stem the current of that river.
Thirty-fouv steamers were bnilt on the western rivers during the year,
one of which, the Western Engineer, built near Pittsburg, under the
direction of Major Long of the United States Topographical Engineers,
for the expedition to the Rocky Mountains, was the first that ever
reached Council Bluft's, G50 miles above St. Louis.
The Analectic Magazine for July (vol. 24, p. 61), contained the first
published specimen of American lithographic printing, an art of recent
introduction from, Germany into England, where two silver medals were
this year awarded by the Society of Arts for specimens on German and
English stone. The design and execution of the print, from the drawing
to tlie impression, were tlie work of Mr. B. Otis of Philadelphia, at the
suggestion of Dr. Samuel Brown of Alabama and Judge Cooper. It
was executed upon a stone from Munich — the birthplace of the art —
presented to the American Philosophical Society by Mr. Thomas
Dobson. Mr. Otis had also executed specimens of hthography, upon
lithographic stone procured by Doctors Erown and Cooper, and Mr,
Clifford, through Dr. Blight, from a limestone quarry, near Dicks river,
Ky. Specimens of white litliogiaphic stone were about this time
deposited in the Troy Lyceum by Isaac McOonike, Esq., who found it
alternating with compact limestone m Indiana.* The lithographic art
was introduced, in an improved form, in New York, in 1822, by Bamett
& DooHttle, who had received legulai instruction in Paris.'
A Society for the Encouia^ement of American Manufactures and
Domestic Economy, established conformably to a resolution of the citizens
of Baltimore in February, was incorporated daring the year as the
Maryland Economical Association.
The Society of Tammany, or Columbia.n Order, in New York, of which
Clarkson Crolius was grand sachem, appointed a committee on the
subject of National Economy and Domestic Manufactures, and to report
an address to all members of the order throughout the Union. This
(2) SillimiHi's Journal, oh. 4, p. 170.
,y Google
1819] REMEDIES— -WALTIIAM COMPANY — MANArONK. 253
was adopted on 4th October, and circulated through the public prints,
esplainiug the causes and suggestiog remedies for the national calamities.
Resolutions were pis ed pledgit g the me ubprs to pracfce frugality and
to difcontiiiue the importation and use m their families of eyery article
of fjreign manufacture which e;un be reasonably tubstituted bj Amen
can manufactures and recommending the same couise to til their
fi lends
The nniyerml iDtereat attaLened on the subject by the«e and simibr
orgamzalions throughout thp countiy and the numerous memoiiils in
preparatun asking of the LegisUture an amendment of the tariff in
duced the sixteenth CDngiess on the Stli DeteQiber immediatel> after
assembling for the fiiit time to institute a standing Committee of Manu
factures to fake chaige of the accumulated bisiness of what had now
become one of the caidinal interests of the nation
Mea-^rs Miller and Hutchins cf PioTidente proposed to pul li',h a
periodical devoted to Domestii Manufactare=! to bo calle 1 The Monu
factureis Jonrnil
The. price of Domestic Cottons, of the kind irst made at Waltham,
Mass., was at this time twenty-one eents a yard, or nine cents below the
price in ISlg. The Waltham Company, on account of its large capital
and machinery, was enaUeil to withstand the financial pressure which
carried away many of the cotton and woolen manufactures of New Eng-
land, aad was supposed to be unfavorable to an increase of duties.
Several of its proprietors, in the midst of general depression, wei-o look-
ing for a suitable locality for a more extended business, which was soon
after found in the water power of Lowell.
The first mill on the canal in the manufactnring borough of Manaynnk,
now in the city of Philadelphia, was built this year, by Capt. John
Towers, and commenced running on 10th November. The lirat manu-
facturing in the place, waa done by Isaac Baird. The first mill, since
known as the "Yellow Mill," was afterward owned by a Mr. Eising,
and still later by Mr. Joseph Ripka, to whose enterprise the growth of
the place is principally due.' The second factory was erected by Charles
Y. Hagner, and the third by Mark Richards.
(I) Mr. Ripka, a native of Anstrian Sila- the mannfnctore of his "Eouen Casaimercs,"
Kia,, vns, in ISH, the proprietor of a small an Article of pantaloon stuffs, was greatly tx.
coHon and silk factory at Lyons, and was at tended, tliongh lie wna still oonGned to hnnd-
fhis time rnnning a few htimi-loonis in Ken- loom weaving. Having opencdawarehonse
sington, in the manufnclnre of euttonades. in Front street, tlieproBts of his uionufaoture
ThB aaperior quality and style of hia goods enabled him, soon after, to fit up power
made them popular, and soon after, in order looms on tho Pennypack, near HoloieEburg,
to meet the inoreafing demand, te removed and in 1S28, he built hia first miU at Mnnn-
to larger premises on Poplor streot, when yunli, vvliLth then contained tan fustories of
,y Google
251 ro.f;c!!LAr>f_L!:AD mixing— patents. [3819
The Legislature of New York appropriated $20,000 for the procw-
tion of Agricultare and Family Domestic Manufactures, to be equally
divided "among the County Agricultural Societies, and expended in two
years. It also enacted a general law for the incorporation of Agricul-
tural Societies, for wliich a new one was substituted in 18il. Similar
appropriations to the aboTe were made by the New Hampshire Assem-
bly, in 1818.
The manufacture of Porcelain, of fine quality, from domestic materials,
was commenced in New York, by Dr. H. Mead.
General Cass, accompanied by Mr. H. E. Schoolcraft, visited, this
year, the copper mines of the Ontonagon and the southern shore of
Lake Superior west to the Mississippi, including the Lead region of
Missouri. Mr. Schoolcraft found forty-five lead mines at work in
Missouri, thirty -nine of which were in Washington county. They were
estimated to produce three million pounds of lead, and to employ eleven
hundred hands. Mine a Burton and Potosi Diggings together, pro-
duced, between I7S8 and 1816, 9,630,000 lbs. or half a million annually.
The marshals, in 1820, reported four stone furnaces in Crawford county,
Michigan, with a capital of $4,600, making bar lead at $i.50 per cwt.,
which found ready sales at south.
On the 10th November, Mr. Constant A. Andrews, of Pennsylvania,
in connection with Messrs. Owens and Dixon, put in operation a saw
milJ, " not ranch inferior to any in the X7nited States," upon Black river,
a branch of the Mississippi, between Prairie du Ghien and Lake Pekiii,
and about thirty miles east of the lake. It was probably the first in
Wisconsin, and was erected hy consent of the Sioux Indians, but wan
Boon after burned, it is supposed, by the Winnebagoes.
Jacob Perkins, late of Philadelphia, took out a patent in England
(Oct. 11), for "Machinery applicable to Engraving; transferring en-
graved or other work from the surface of one piece of metal to that of
another;" (transferring difficult engravings for the production of bank
notes.)'
Among the United States patents granted this year were the follow-
ing : To James Barron, U. S. N., Norfolk, Ta. (Jan. 12), for corks for
different liinils. employi
ag sis hundred and
sand persona. The value of bis mannfao-
thirty-ei:^ bands. Dsri
■HK the nest fifteen
turea exceeded one million dollars annnnlly.
m twenty years, lie boo
ttniB tbe proprietor
and included Canton Flannel, which naa ei>
of fiva faotorios at Mai
layunfc beside teae.
tonsively made and imprOTed by him on i(«
ments, one in Surthoi
■n Liberties, one at
first introduslion. IJie agencies extended
ChandievsviUs, Deiawt
LEC, and of n large
to all the principal oifies.
factory nnd printworkB
on llie Pennypock,
(1) Hewlon'a London Journal, roL !, p.
employing, together, IH
elve hundred hands.
159.
»nd giving support to i
irobablj three thou-
i.Google
^819] IWPORTAKT PATENTS. 255
bottles ; to the same (Feb. 20), for an air pump for extracting foni air
from ships. For a cut and description of this ship ventilator of Com-
modore Barron, to whom both the above patents irere renewed by spe-
cial acts of Congress in 1833, and also for a plan, submitted bj him to
the Secretai7 of tiie Navy, for constrncting vessels so as to prevent
decay, see Portfolio for November, 1826. He took out seven or
eight different patents, including one for constructing ships. To Samuel
Morej, Oxford, N. H. (Jan. 19), for shooting with steam; John L.
WelJs, Hartford (Feb. 8), a printing press. This was the first in
Tirhich long levers were introduced end-wise with success. Borgia Alli-
son and William Elliott, Washington, D. 0. (Feb. 20), printing by
means of rollers ; Silas Mason, Norfolk, Mass. (Feb. 30), manufactur-
ing hats. This was for a cardinj^ machine, which produced the hat
in its conical form at one operation. Francis Guy, Baltimore, Md,
(Feb. 23), paper carpet; William Sheldon, Springfield, Mass. '(Feb.
26), tanning with bark of chestnut trees, and John Lansing, Jr.,
Albany, N. Y. (April 30), tanning in hemlock; William Garret, New
Lisbon, N. T. (Feb. 2t), manufacturing emovy ; A. W. Foster and J.
Hugus, Gi-ecnsburg and Hempford, Pa. (April 26). converting rectili-
near into rotaij motion ; Robert Gra,ye.s, Boston, Mass. (April 10), for.
cordage. . Tliis patent cordage, for which two other patents were
granted in the following years, was extensively manufactured in Boston
by Winslow, Lewis & Co., wiio used Graves's machinery, worked by
horses, and in 1831, employed one hundred men and boys, and sold J46
tons of patent cordage, for ^180,000. James Wiseheart, Wayne county,
Ind. (May 25), making sngar from wheat, rye, Ac, ; William E. Clark-
Bon, Jr., New York (June 26), velocipedes ; Richard Bury, Albany, N.
Y. (Aug. 31), glass strings for pianofortes ; Daniel Pettibone, Boston,
Mass. (Aug. 21), welding cast steel to iron; Jethro Wood, Poplar
Kidge, N. Y. (Sept. 1), a plough. This was for the cast iron plough,
which was the foundation of many subsequent improvements, and the
patent was renewed by act of Congress, in 1834. Thomas Blanchard,
Middlebary, Mass. (Sept. 6), turning gun slocks; Daniel Gilletl,
SpringSeld, Mass. (Sept. 15), preparing cotton seed for food; Cyrng
Hawes, Bennington, Vt (Dec. 15), carpenters' squares ;' B. Croasdale,
Byberry, Pa. (Dec. 21), machine for making brus.hes of broom corn;
also, to Shadrach H. Weed, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. (Feb. 3), for broom
making.
ifnpturB of oarpa,
nters-
niente in the yill.ige mnds from twelya t.
e United SliUea,
n-ns
flfteca thouinnd annuully, havine nearlj
nring
Mnl3J21ivoesl»l
■'Ahh-
(?<... «/ VI.
i.Googie
CHAPTER IT.
ANNALS OF MANUFACTCRl
EviDEHOE of the general and increasing embavrassmeiita of every branch
of industry continued to press itself ufion the attention of the National
IRin ^n'iS'''''''^L^g'^l^'^'^''^s- Immediately npoii the assembling of the
sixteenth Congress, at its first session in December, memorials
and petitions began to ponr in from various bodies of manufacturere
and others in different sections of tlie country, ascribing tiie pecuniary
distress of the times to tiie immoderate use of foreign commodities, and
complaining of the inadequacy of the general Tariff and existing revenue
laws to afford suitable protection to the native industry against ihe Clim-
bined efforts of cheap production, fl'audulent invoices, protracted cred-
its and unlimited sales at anction, whereby the country had been deluged
with foreign merchandise, to the ruin alike of tlie farmer, the importer,
and tlie mannfacturer.
A Convention of the Friends of National Industrj', composed of
delegates from nine states, viz. : Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con-
necticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland,
and Ohio, who assembled in New York on the 27th August of the last
year, to take into consideration the prostrate condition of manufactures,
and to petition Congress — presented a memorial on the 20th December,
in which the following measures were recommended as likely to remote
the existing embarrassments of the country, and to restore life and vigor
to the almost expiring manufactures. These were — to abolish credits
on impost duties — to impose a restrictive duty on sales at auction, and
to alter and increase the duties on imported goods.
The practice allowed by law of giving one to two years' credits on
imposts upon East- India and China goods, and the perversion of tlie
system of auction sales from its original intention, it was conceived,
exerted a most injurious sflect upon the fair American trader, upon the
mannfa«turer and the community in general, by encouraging specula-
tion, and flooding the markets with cheap but worthless fabrics of silk,
woolen, cotton, and other materials, manufactured in the East Indies
(256}
,y Google
1890] MEMOETALS ON THS TARIFF. 25T
and in Europe expressly for ancli sales, and whiub, by tlieir liigh finish,
coBcealecl their flimsj textnre until they reached the consumer.
It appeared, from the returns of the auctioneers themselves, that the
sales of foreign goods at auction, in the city of New York alone,
amounted, in the year 1818, to fourteen milliona of dollars, and tlie
quantity annually sold in the same way in the "United States could not,
it was believed, be less than thirty millions in value, a large part of
which was on foreign account. Increased duties were asked for upon a
number of leading articles, and the great disparity between the Ame-
rican and British tariffs upon several important articles of manufacture
was shown, the United States ranging from seven and a half to thirty,
and the British from forty-one and a half to seven hundred and fifty-lSve
per cent, ad valorem. A memorial to the same effect, from the Ame-
rican Society of the city of New York, for the encouragement of do-
mestic manufactures, presented April 24, prayed that the importation
of cotton goods be restricted by law, to sach only as were wholly ma-
nufactured from cotton grown in the United States. Memorials were
also sent in from the manufacturers of paper, books, leather, et«., and
from the inhabitants of different states and cities, urging suitable pro-
tection to manufactures, a change from ad valorem to specific duties,
and other inodifieatioiis of the revenue laws. Opposition to any pro-
posed change was made by the agricultural and mercantile interests in
various places, among which the Agricultural Society of Fredericks-
burg, Va., and the United Agricultural Societies of Prince George,
Susses, Suri7, Petersburg, Brunswick, Dinwiddle, and Isle of Wight,
in the same state, whose secretary was Mr. Edward EulBn, were the
first to denounce, in memorials presented on the 3d and ITth January,
any increase of duties as a tax upon the agriculturists, who were the
principal consumers.
A lengthy and able memorial, believed to be written by Judge Story,
was also presented, January 31, from the merchants of Salem, Mass.,
whose India trade had been destroyed by the minimum duty on coarse
cottons, against an increase of duties on imports, or any change of the
revenue system in relation to credits and drawbacks. These remon-
strances produced an elaborate memorial from the Pennsylvania Society
for the Encouragement of American Manufactures, drawn up by Mr.
Carey, and a second appeal from the New York Society, the latter of
which stated that twelve thousand packages of goods, on which the
duties were estimated at one million dollars, had been sold at auction in
that city between the Ist of January and 15th of April, — the duties
thereon had become so much active capital, loaned by the Government
to foreign manufacturers, or their agents in this country, to aid them by
,y Google
258 PETITIONS — CENStIS AND NATIQATION ACTS. [1820
Biict operations in crushing the enterprise and industry of the nation.
The Chamber of Commerce of New York and Philadelphia also opposed
a change in the system of credits for duties, and the former likewise a
tax on auction sales. The merchants of Baltimore were part, in favor of a
cash system, and another part opposed any change in the revenue laws.
The Legislature of New York, on 1st February, adopted resolutions
to request its senators and representatives in Congress, to use their in-
fluence in obtaining such a revision and regulation of the tariff, as should
reduce the importations and effectually protect manufactures, and also
recommending all members of the Legislature, officers of government,
their representatives in Congress, and citizens generally, to clothe them-
selves in fabrics of home manufacture, and to promote their introduction
into general use in preference to foreign manufactures.
Notwithstanding the numerous petitions for a revision of the tariff,
signed by at least thirty thousand persons, the views of the merchants
and plantei-s prevailed. A bill introduced by Mr. Baldwin, from the
Committee on Manufactures, proposing a moderate increase in the
duties, although it passed the House by a vote of ninety to sixty-nine
on 28th April, was afterward lost in the Senate, where the vote stood
twenty to twenty-one. The period of general relief was thereby post-
poned for another four years.
On the nth March, Congress passed an act making provision for
taking the fourth census of the population, the numeration to commence
on the first Monday in August The tenth section provided for taking,
at the same time, under the directions of the Secretary of the Treasury,
an account of the manufacturing establishments and manufactures, for
which extra service the marshals were to receive twenty per cent, addi-
tional compensation.
A supplement to the Navigation Act of 18th April, 1818, waa ap-
proved May 15th, by which TJnited States ports were closed, after 30th
September, to all British vessels arriving from colonial porta on the
continent or in the West Indies, not included in the former act, and
requiring the owner, consignee, or agent of British vessels, on taking in
cargoes of the growth, produce, or manufacture of the TTnitecl States, to
give bond not to land the same in any of the British possessions described
in either act, provided that the convention of 1815 was not infringed by
the prohibition. No importations from any such British possessions
were to be permitted after the above date.
The suffering produced in the West India Cofonies by these retalia-
tory acts, gave rise to an appeal to Parliament, which resnlted in tlie
opening of the West India ports to American vessels, and consequent
relief to the mercantile and agricultural interests of the United States.
,y Google
1S30] WINE — apprentices' IIBRARIES"
On llie tliird of May, the first permanent Committee of AgricnRure
was appointfid by Congress to have charge of that branch of industry.
Among the petitions presented early m the session, was unc from Mr.
John Adluiii, of the District of Colurabn calhng the attention of Con-
gress to tlie fact that he had succeeded m milling viine of suppiior
quality from native grapes. Mr Adiara nas one of the most zealous of
the early promoters of the wine manufacture in this country, and es])e-
cially in recommending the Catiwba grape, but did not sucrced m
making good wine on a large scale, partly m i-nnseqnence of the v, aut
of the means which he at this time solicited
The General Assembly of Pennsylvania passed, March etii, " An Act
for the promotion of Agriculture and Domestic Manufactures," anthori-
zing the incorporation of companies for these objects, by the Governor
of the Commonwealth.
The Apprentices' Library, founded by voluntary contributions in
Philadelphia, during the last year, and the Boston Apprentices' Library,
commenced on 32d February, of the present year, under the supervision of
the Massaehneetts Charitable Mechanics' Association, were the first of that
nseful class of institntions established in this country, if not in the world.
The Mercantile Library of Boston, was also founded on llth March of
this year, and the Apprentices' Library of Cincinnati, during the ensuing
year.
The raannfacture of Chain Cables was about this date commenced at
Boston, by Cotton & Hill, who, for thirty years, wore the only success-
ful manufacturers of cables, in which they established a reputation at
home and abroad. They were, however, ultimately compelled to
abandon the business on account of the low price of English chains of
inferior quality, but resumed it again in 1856.
Heavy Anchors were forged at South Canaan, Litchfield county,
Connecticut, from the superior iron of that neighborhood, by the Hunt
Brothers ; who, during the year, made two, of eight and nine thousand
pounds' weight respectively, for the seventy-four gun ship Franklin.
Screws of the largest kinds for powerful machineiy, were also made and
cnt by water power in their establishment. Anchors were made at
twelve and a half cents a pound, in or near Baltimore, but were under-
sold by imported anchors of inferior English iron, which had already
caused a suspension of the business.
Thirty Iron Works had been built in Pennsylvania during the last
ten years, of which fourteen were charcoal bla.st furnaces, and sixteen
bloomeries. The business labored under great depression on account of
the limited demand, and a decline in the price of bar iron from $140 to
$80 and ^100 per ton, since 1818, chiefly occasioned by importations of
,y Google
2G0 laON WOKKS — COAL — BOOKS. [IS20
iron and iron-wares, and the g^eneral prostration of all kinds of business.
In Washiugfiott county, Maryland, an iron works consisting of two
forges, and slitting mill, with a capital of $100,000, which had been in
profitable operation for sixty years, was about to ceaso operations
for want of demand. Pig iron sold for thirty dollars, and castings for
seventy-five dollars per ton. In East Tennessee, wMch had between
thirty and forty forges and furnaces, twelve of thera in Carter county,
and in other places remote from foreign competition, bar iron continued
in good demand at ten to twelve and a half cents a pound.
The first regular commencement of the Anthracite Coal Trade of
Pennsylvania, was made this year, by the shipment from the southern
Anthracite region at Mauch Chunk, on the Lehigh, of three hundred and
twenty-five tons or sixteen thousand bushels, to Philadelphia. It was
sent by artificial navigation, opened by the Lehigh Navigation Com-
pany, and was mined by the Lehigh Coal Company, both of which were
organized in July, 1818, and this year merged in one association, called
the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, which was incorporated in
1832, and has since greatly developed the mineral riches of that region
and improved the transportation. The coat was delivered at the doors
of purchasers at $8.50 per ton. About seventy thousand bushels of
Btooe coal were mined in Alleghany county, Maryland, this year, at a
cost of six and a quarter cents a bushel ; a part of which was sent down
the Potomac in boats.
A steam ship, called the "Robert Pulton," of one thousand tons, was
built this year at Now York, for Messrs. Dunham & Lynch, by tho
eminent naval architect, Henry Eekford, who, during the late war, had
constructed, with incredible dispatch, and to the entire satisfaction
of the Government, a fleet upon the lakes, and had established the repu-
tation of New York merchant ships, as equal to any in the country.
The Fulton was intended for the New York and New Orleans trade, and
attained a speed of nine miles an hour, which was regarded by the
distinguished inventor, whose name she bore, as the maximum speed of
steamboats, and was not surpassed for many years. The speculation
was ruinous, however, to her owners, and the vessel having been sold,
afterward became the fastest sloop of wav (under sail) in the Brazilian
The total value of the Book Publishing business of tho United States,
this year, was estimated, by the late 8. G-. Goodrich (Peter Parley), at
$3,500,000, viz. : of school books, $150,000, classical, $250,000,
theologieoJ, |I50,000, law, §200,000, medical, $150,000, all others.
$1,000,000. The relative proportions of British and American books
consumed, was stated to be, of American thirty, and of British seventy
,y Google
1820] PAPER MIIXS — POTATO BTAKCH — SILK — CLOTHS. 261
per cent, of tbo wiiolc. Dnring the next thirty years, the proportions
were reversed, the American forming seventy and the British thirty per
cent, of the whole.
Of seventy paper mills in fall operation in Pennsylvania aud Delaware,
at the close of the war, containing' ninety-five vats, which cost about
half a milliou dollars, and employed nine hundred and fifty persons,
producing paper to the value of $800,000 per anuum, but seventeen
vats were at worli at this time, producing $13S,000 worth per annum.
The number of hands had been reduced seven hundred and fifty-five, and
the product $624,000, by the importation of paper, chiefly of low price,
from the south of Europe. The manufacturers of these states, and of
Baltimore, asked for a doty of twenty-five per cent, on foreign papers.'
The whole annual value of the manufacture in the United States, was
estimated at an average of three millions of dollars, the materials and
labor at two millions, and the number of persons employed at five
thousand. Congress, at this time, used English paper, although the
Messrs. Gilpin, who employed near half a million capital in the manufac-
ture, on the Brandjwine, offered paper, allowed to be equally good, at
twenty-five per cent, less price.'
The mannfaeture of starch from potatoes, for wliicli a patent was
granted, in 1S02, to John Biddis, of Temisylvania, had been recently
estahlished in Hillsborongh county, N. H, The demand was principally
for the cotton manufactories, which contained, in that county, excluBive
of cotton and woolen factories, over fonr thousand spindles, and upward
of fifty power-looms, employed on shirtings, tickings, cheeks, ginghams,
yarn, etc. Many of these were idle at this time, or greatly depressed
in consequence of a decline in the. price of yarn of about fifty percent.,
since 1812-13.
A manufactory of Testings, Worsted, and Silk cloths, recently esta-
in Providence, R I., was said to be tho only one of the kind in the
United States. An infant manufactory of worsted stuffs, in Bristol
county, calculated to run sis hundred to eight hundred spindles, but
having only seventy-two in operation, had, however, produced ve stings
of fine texture, and many other kinds of worsted and fine cloths, which
had exceeded expectation.
Six establishments in Litchfield county. Conn., made 11,450 brass and
wooden clocks, valued at $T5,400, nearly the whole of which resulted
from the industry and ingenuity employed on them.
The returns of the marshals represented a manufactory of Prnssian
bine; from leather shavings, to the valne of $4,500 annually, in Rensselaer
(1) Memociala to Congress. (2) Munaoll's Chronologj oEpapor, etc.
,y Google
262 PETJS6IAM BLUE— IBOM BAILING SALT, [1820
county, N. Y., and one of bulled and pearled Barlej to tlie value of
$5,000 in Newcastle countj, Dei., as probablj the only establishments
of the kind in the "United States.* The manufactures of Albany and
Yicinity were quite numerous, that of ale aud strong beer being, next to
flour, the most valuable, employing four breweries, which made to the
value of $64,000 per ananm, and were prosperous. The manufactories
af the city and county of New York, enlbraced, among many others, two
of oil of vitriol and chemical drugs in great variety ; one of chrome and
other eoloi-s, of red and wbite lead, of black lead-pencils and crayons,
fancy transparent and perfumed soaps, patent floor cloths, types, etc.,
which had been several years in operation.
The manufacture of Iron Railing and House work, and of Needles and
Pish hooks, imported in an unflnished state, and jjrepared for market at
from one to twenty dollars a thousand, were among those of recent
introduction.
The Salt manufacture of the United States emjtiloyed, in Massaclmsetts,
a capital of abont $777,000, which yielded a prodact of $95,000 ; and
seventy-nine establishments in the town of Salina, New York, upon land
leased by individuals from the state, of which the product, inspected by
the Government supennteiident, for the year ending Nov. 7, was
664,T76 bushels. On this a tax of one Ehilling a bushel was paid toward
the canai fund. In Genesee county, about 83,000 bushels were made.
In Kanawha, Va., twenty-three saltmaking establishments, with a capita!
of 1696,000, and eighteen hundred and twenty kettles, etc., made salt at
seventy-five cents to one dollar a bushel, bnt sufl'ered by competition with
foreign salt, bronght from New Orleans in steamboats. Kentucky had
upward of sisteen hundred kettles employed, and made salt worth ahout
$190,000 per annum, and in New Hanover eoonty, N. C, salt was made
by solar heat to the value of $13,350. About $33,000 was invested
in the fame business in western Penn'iylvanu aud smillei amounts id
othpr plates
The population of the United States in Augntt is retumed by the
fourth ceisns was 9 638 181 having increased 83 13 pei cent in tea
yens The active poj ulation was di tiibuted as follows number
engaged in l^iicnltuie 2 075 3b3 in MinulicturBS 34^1663 in Cora
merce including t-ountry shop keepers 72 558
The returns on the subject ot manafu-tures although the schedules
furm bed weie moie comprehensive than on foimer occtsiions and
(1) The
s an Hue
Ee o tal Eeaajs
publ ahed
a ijno by
ed and the pr
esa dea
Dr John Pponin
TO a obo
I al
atnlont— ses Mea
1 0
aea Arch
OB TOI
i.Google
1820]
STATI(>TICa (JF rylLRTII c
2fi3
embraced iieailj the same objects of inqairy aa at present, were ex-
ceedmgij dcfeUive partly on accuant of the inatleqnato compensation
allowed the ennmeiatois and partly from the inability or reinctance of
manufactuiers to give the details of their bnsinees. A digest of tlie
aLLOunts OQ this subject which «i lesolution of Congress, approved March
30, 1^22, aothouzed the SeLietaiy of State to have made and published
l^aI, tonnd up in ita completion, to be so imperfect an exhibit of this
blanch of the nationil industry, that the Secretary was only constiained
by the impei'ktive nature of the requnitun to permit its publication
ind the House of Representatives hid neaily resolved to suppress the
n hole document, and tabled a resolution pioviding foi the dibtiibution
of the books The digest, however when studied m detad furnishes
much useful mfoimatinn lespecting the existing state of individual
establi'ihraents and branches of industry and shows the natuie and
extent of the embai rassments undei which the mtnuf'ujtuieis Kboied
jt this time Although some branches of industij particnlaily that ut
cotton and otheis fwoiably situated, were tolerably prospeious, and
there were indications of geneial improvement, large losses were reported
as having been experienced within a few years. In all parts of the
TJnjonj machinery and flsed capital, to a large amount, were either lying
idle, or were employed at a very meagre profit, in the hope of a favorable
change. The products and the profits of manufactures had, in general,
been greatly reduced, and much property had changed hands at ruinous
Bacriflces. The decrease in the aggregate value of manufactures
retnmed, aa compared with the census of 1810, was in part caused by
the omission of all mannfactures strictly domestic or household, in the
fourth census, and which were included in the third.
From a report based on these rclnrns made by the Secretary of State,
in September, 1824, in obedience to a resolution of the Senate, we take
the following :
Maine,
$J24,648
S4S9,S08
New Hampahirfl,
749,884
893 0G5
S 2,455,000
Maasaohu=,ette,
3,144 S16
1,542,325
21,049,0Wi
Eliode Island,
878,568
a 107,222
Oonneeticat,
2,429,204
5,144,625
5,540,000
Vermont,
784,349
691,157
New Tork,
4,'?44,387
7,774,041
18,^04,00(1
New J'-iSLS
'H<>,41<>
1,735,41^
3,300,000
i.Google
COTTON— PATENTS — BLANCUAED S LATHE. [18£0
Penraylvania,
Delaware,
Mar/laod
Colambia Difltriot,..
Virginia,
Horth Carolina
South Carolina,
GleorRift
Louisiana,..
T«nneasee,.
Ktmtuuk^, .
163,046
45 200
473,686
876 608
48,760
33 035
142,602
160,419
34,500
41S45
60 831
Indiana,
lilinois,.,,
Missouri,'
Micliigan Territory,...
Arkansas Territory,.,
Total, 832,271,884 846,837 SbG
The following table shows, probably, a nearer appioximition fo tbe
actual condition of the cotton manufacture than is furnished by the
general aggregates. It exhibits an increase of one hundred and seveuty-
s X per cent., in the whole amount of cotton consumed and of tKO
I ndrpd and thirteen percent, in tbe number of spindles given m Mr.
iallat f, Report, in 1810, but a decrease of about one hundred and
seTentT i er cent, in the amount of cotton consumed in 1815, according
to the eport of a Committee of C
StBtes. Pounds □fCntton Kumberot stales. Poi-Ldfl of Coli™ Number of
iunuaily Spun. Spindles. AdMaully Sp™ mMm
S"'"? ^^.S™ 3.070 Pennsylvania, 1,062,753 13 776
New Hampshire, .. 413,100 13,013 Delaware 423,800 13 784
Massaohusetts, 1,611,796 30,304 Maryland 849 000 20 245
Rhode Island, 1,914,230 63,372 Virginia, 3 000 ' '
Connectiont 897,335 29,826 Horth Carolina,... 18 OOo' 288
Vermont, 117,250 3,278 South Carolina 46,440 588
New York, 1,412,495 33,160 Kentucky, SB0,9S1.... 8 097
Hew Jersey, 648,600 18,124 Ohio 81,360 1,680
Total, 9,945,609 250,572
Letters patent were gianted for the following objects, among others :
to Thomas Bljnchaid, Middlebury, Mass. (Jan. 20), for a machine for
turning gun stocks Thn, was for the celebrated lathe, afterward
adapted to turning nregulai forma in general, as shoe-lasts, spokes, hat,
tackle and wig blocks, etc , foi nhich nses he was granted, by special
act of Congress, in June, IbM ani again m 1848, a renewal of his
,y Google
1820] PATENTS CIRCTJLAR SAW POWEK LOOM, 265
piitcnt, which has jost expired (Jan. 1862), the author still living.'
A, Woolworth, Waterbury county, also took a patent (Juno 15), for
tuming gun stocks ; I. Kendall, Lincoln, Mass. (Jan. 28), preparing
oxymuriate of lime (bleaching powder) ; A. Buffum and J. Kelly, West-
field, R. I. (Feb. IT), water-proof elastic hats; Robert Eastman and
J. Jaquith, Brunswick, Me. (March 16), circular saw for clapboards, etc.-
Tills " improved rotary sawing machine" was the first application of
the circular saw to the dressing of timber of large size, ami the manufac-
ture therefrom of staves, heading, clapboards, etc. One machine was
capable of cutting two thousand feet of pine timber per diem. It was
in general use throughout >few England in 1822.' The patent was
renewed by act of Congress, for seven years, in March, 1835. Henry
and Jacob Day, New York (April 4), improvement in locks; Harvey
Hackley, New York (April 21), brewing by steam ; Shalor Ives, Chili-
cothe, Ohio (May 17), machine for spinning candle-wick; Duncan
Wright, Medway, Mass. (Aug. 31), drying cloth by steam rollers;
Wiiliam Gilmour, Smithfield, K. I. (Oct. 28), improvement in the Power
Loom. The Scotch power loom was first introduced into Rhode Island
three or four years before by the patentee. Thomas Rowell, Hartford,
Vt. (Nov. 34), making wooden pegs; Jonathan Fish, Medway, Mass.
(Dec. 1), for five different improvements on the doable speeder for
spiimiiig cotton, and one for a combination of these improvements in the
double speeder ; also to Paul Moody, of Waltham (Dec. 20), for double
speeder for roping cotton ; George P. Digges, Albermarle, Va. (Dee. 16),
making oil from cotton seed; Thomas J. Bond, Baltimore (Dec. 21),
iron boats. Improvements in propelling boats and vessels were patented
by scveial peibons
Ml Jacob Perkins, of Austin Friars, London, late of Philadelphia,
and foruieily of Mewburyport, Mass., was this year awarded, by the
London Hocicty of Arts, two large silver medals, for his methods of
|1) This maoliin
e, tbe laen of which was
riting a lathe, previously
Woiernment Armory at
Q gun barrels complete
he rBioived, during the first 1
patent for tbe lathe, more ih
whioh had, in the mean time, 1.
in different parts of the Union,
»" fifty of
eon erected
in violation
BiiggbStedwbiloopf
eonrt Tinted roi tht
Spiingfield to tu.
fromendtoend ivasimmeJiatalymtroduoed of his right, for turning lutts, Bpokes,
into t le nntional gnn factories at Harper's handles, etc. Ha confiequBully oppliad for
Fu-rry and SpnngHeld where the inventnr and obtained a renewal of the patent, as
WHS employed for Ave jeara Ho there above stated, covering its apphoatiou 1o
originated other improvementa, and thirteen Irregular forms in general. For an interest-
different marhini-E, afterward ganerslly ing account of the origin of this sad other
alopted in the raanHfaotura and stocking inventions of Ihe ingenious author, see
of Ere arms Tha Qtvommenl allowance Howe's Mmoh-> of the 3I<„1 Emiiif»t ill-
the t^s 0 arinori a, was the only coinpensDtloii (2) Sillimau's JoHrnal, vol. v., p 151.
,y Google
26G PERKINS'S II^VENTIOSS— BAMK KOTES. [1820
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the vessel was in a proper trim for sailing.
The failure of the tariff bill, in the early part of Iho last year, was
followed, in the nest session, by several remonstrauces against a renewal
of the measure or any farther extension of the restrictive system, as
destructiTe to revenue and to the interests of agriculture and eom-
meree. The merchants and citizens of Petersburg, Va. ; the commercial
and agricultural citizens of Maine — recently admitted as a state ; a conven-
tion of delegates representing the merchants and others interested in
commerce, assembled at Philadelphia ; the citizens of Charleston, S.^ 0. ;
the delegates of the United Agricultural Societies of Virginia, in a
(1) Messrs. Murray, Fairmim & Co,, of engrnving, in pnrt esoentod by very oostly
Philiidelphia, ossoomteB of the London firm, maeliinery, nnd of nnriralled eipalleQCe.
prodnoed in this, or early in tto following Thoy were in nil respects equal to the
year, benutiful Bpacimens of bank notes, ppeoimena eseouled in London.
allowing ail tho improvement! in the iirt of
i.Google
1821] THE TARIIP AND AUOTION BILLS.
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fast, Maine, and by the merchauts and othera of Richmond, Virginia,
the former attributing to the tariff and cash payment bills repealed at the
last session, a porpose to abolish the system of (Jebentures and draw-
backs, and depicting their ruinous effects upon coramerce ; and the latter
imputing to the advocates of mannfactnres, less of a desire to promote
internal manufactures than of enmity to foreign commerce and naviga-
tion, which it was their design in these bills to assail and eventnally to
destroy. These petitions were the subject of a report presented early in
the session, by Mr. Baldwin, from the Committee of Manufactures, dis-
claiming any such objects in the bills or in their framers, and strongly
rebuking misrepresentations and imputations so improper and nnnsual
in reference to acts of the National Legislatnre.
The same Committee, on the 15th January, reported a new bill and
accompanied it by a report of more than ordinary length and ability, in
which the subjects of the varions memorials, just referred to, were elabo-
rately discussed, and the views of the Committee fully and freely stated.
An opposite view of this important question was also presented,
at considerable length, on the 3d Febi-uary, by the newly created
Committee of Agdculture, to whom the second memorial of the United
Agricultural Societies of Virginia had been referred.
The bill received some amendments, but was not called up for a
third reading, either in consequence of its late introduction, or the
strength of the opposition, a motion made four days before the close of
the session, to go into consideration of the tariff and auction bills, having
been negatived by a vote of sixty-two to fifty-three.
,y Google
268 MR. CAEEY— COTTON — ORIOIN OP LOWKLL. [1821
It does not appear that any great effort waa made 1) tlie manu-
facturers generally to secnre the passage of an act supi o ed to be ex-
clusively for their benefit, although Mr. Carey w th h b s il activity,
issued, during the year, an address to the farme s of the XT ted States,
showing their interests to be involved in a change of i ol y and also a
review of a pamphlet on the tariff by Mr. Cambreleng, a prominent mer-
chant and member of Congress, from New York, whose representations
of the general prosperity of the country, and of the effects of a protecting
system, were singulariy at variance with the report of the Committee. For
these and other services, the citizens of Wilmington, Del, in public meeting,
voted Mr. Carey a piece of plate of the value of one hundred and eighty
or two hundred dollars, subscribed by employers and operatives, which
was presented in April, vrith an inscription expressive of their gratitude.'
The cotton crop of the "United States, accoi'ding to oificial tables, waa
this year about thirteen millions of pounds in excess of any previous
year, and amounted to one hundred and eighty millions of pounds,
being 28.5 per cent, of the whole quantity grown throughout the world,
which was estimated to be six hundred and thirty millions of pounds. The
quantity exported was one hundred and twenty-four millions of pounds,
worth twenty millions of dollars, at the average price of sixteen centa per
pound. The quaatity manufactured in the United States was estimated
at twenty millions of pounds.'
The cotton manufacture, offered at this time the most eligible invest-
ments of capital, and the success of the Waltham Manufacturing Com-
pany, which was the most extensive in the Union, and was said to have
divided twelve per cent, upon its capital, during a period of general de-
pression, induced others to engage in it. Messrs. P. T. Jaeltson and Na-
than Appleton, principal owners in the Waltham factory, having instituted
inquiries for a suitable water power, with the design of introducing the
manufacture and printing of Calicoes ob large scale, were directed to the
Pawtucltet Palls, in East Chelmsford, now Lowell, which they visited in
September. In connection with Mr. Kirk Boot, they made, during the
next month, the first purchase of lands, on the present site of Lowell,
fl-om the Pawtucket Canal Company, and other proprietors of the
territory, which then contained less than two hundred inhabitants.
Articles of association were signed on 1st December, and an act of incor-
poration was obtained on 5th February, 1822, under the name of The
Merrimac Manufacturing Company, with a capital stock of six hundred
shares, ovpned as follows : N. Apploton and P. T. Jacksou, each one
(1) "A tribate of grotiludo to Matthew the frionda of National Industry, in Wil-
Ciiray, Esq., m Approbation of his writings mirgton, Do)., and its vicinity, Ajiril, lS2i."
on Political Economy, presented by soma of (2) Secretary Woodbury's Report.
,y Google
1821] LOWBEL — B0MER8W0ETH — rHILADBLPHIA. 269
hundred and eighty shares ; Kirk Boot and John W. Boot, each ninety
Bhares ; Paul Moody, sixty shares. The following persons were per-
mitted, at the next meeting, to subscribe to the amount of ninety-five
shares, viz : Dudley A. Tyng, Warren Button, Timothy Wiggin,
William Appleton, Eben. Appleton, Thomas W. Clark, D. Webster,
Benjamin Gorham, Nathaniel Bowditch. The original shareholders also
sold one hundred and fifty shares to the Boston Manufacturing Company,
at an advance of ten per cent. Mr. Boot was elected treasurer and
agent, and acted in the latter capacity until Ms death, in 1831. The
corporation, early in the ensniEg spring, proceeded to make additional
purchases, toward acquiring control of the entire power of the Mci-rimac
at that place, and to enlarge and extend the canal and locks sutQciently
for fifty mill powers, at a cost of $120,000. They arranged, with the
Waltham Company, for the transfer, for the sum of $15,000, of the
patterns and patent rights of machinery, and of the services of Mr.
Moody, and erected the first mill, a church, etc. The first wheel was
started in September, 1823, and the capital was, the same year, increased
to 11,300,000. In 1825, the first dividend of one hundred and sixty
par share was made, at which time three additional mills were built, and
five hundred dollars were appropriated for a library, and operations
were commenced by the Hamilton Mannfaetnring Company. The
originsil Company has continued, with few intermissions, to divide about
twelve per cent, annually, to the present time. The Company com-
menced print works on a lar^e scale, in 1823, but were anticipated by
establishments at Taunton, Mass., and Dover, JS". H.
The Great Talis Manufacturing Company was incorporated this year,
by the States of Maine and New Hampshire, with a capital of $400,000,
to erect works on the Sahnon Falls, or Piscataqua river, which divides
tlie states. Tlio mills were built at Great Palls, now the beautiful
manufacturing town of Somersworth, on the New Hampsliire side, then
containing only one house and a saw mill. Within ten years from this
date, the place contained about two thousand inhabitants, and four large
cotton mills, with 31,000 spindles, and a woolen mill, said to be the
largest in America, two hundred and twenty feet long, six stories high,
and having machinery for making 120,000 to 130,000 yards of line
broadcloth yearly, and a large carpet factory attached, capable of making
150,000 yards of best ingrain carpeting.
About four thousand looms were put in operation, in Philadelphia, in
the first six months of this year, chiefly for weaving cotton goods.
Calicoes of firm and fine texture were made and printed in Philadelphia,
and sold as low as the poorer qualities of British calicoes. Preparations
were made to carry on the business extensively, both by water and steam
,y Google
2T0 ■WOOLEN MIILS — CAEPETS — CIIEMICALS — STRAW TLAIT. [1821
power. Domestic cottons had, at this time, in a great measure superseded
the coarse plain cottons from abroad.
Mouey continued to be invested in woolen manufactures, and con-
siderable quantities of Spanish wool were imported from Bilboa, and met
with ready sale, the domestic supply of wool being then, as now,
inadequate to the demand.
Mr. Macauley, the proprietor of a manufactory of woolen carpet,
patent floor cloth, and oil cloth, which last were now made in different
parts of the Union, contracted to supply a large quantity of ingrain carpet-
ing, of his own make, to the uew State House at Harrisburg.
The Wolcott Woolen Manufactory, at South Bridge, Massachusetts, was
incorporated, with a capital of $14i,000, for the manufacture of broad-
cloths and cassimeres, with thirty-two looms and other machinery
valued at $40,000, bat sunk, during the next ive years, upward of
$23,000. Boston was, at this time, the market for large supplies of
domestic cloths, which were sought after, and the demand, for wool was
increasing.
A manufacturer of power looms, who made about seventy per week,
was unable to supply the demand.
An extensive steam mill was erected at Bath, in the State of Maine.
The Copperas works, at Strafford, Vermont, produced about one hundred
tons per annum, by the labor of four men. A manufactory of Alum was in
successful operation at Salem, Massachusetts, and sulphate of copper
(blue vitriol) was also made there, of superior quality, presenting
crystals of extreme beauty.
The fifth annual message of President Monroe, read December 3d,
held out tho encouraging prospect, that, under the protection given
to domestic manufactures by existing laws, the United States would
become, at no distant period, & manufacturing country on a large scale.
The resources of the country, in raw materials, food, mechanical skill,
and improvements calculated to lessen the demand and cost for labor,
would, under present duties, make our industry equal to any demand
which, under a fair competition, could be made upon it. In pro-
portion to our resources, and independence of foreign powers, would
be the stability of the public happiness, and, with the increase of domestic
manufactures and the demand for raw materials, the mutual dependence
of the several parts of the Union, and the strength of the Union itself,
would be proportionately augmented.
Miss Sophia Woodhouse (afterward Mrs. Wells), the daughter of a
farmer residing at Weathersfield, Conn., in the early part of this year,
sent, to the London Society of Arts, samples, in their raw, bleached, and
manufactured states, of a new material for Straw Plait, consisting of a
,y Google
1821] STEAW BONNETS — PATENTS. 3T1
Bonnet made in imitation of Leghorn, and dried specimens oftlie graaa
from wliicli it was made, popularly known there as Ucklemoth, a species of
(poa pretensis), spear grass, or smootli stalked meadow grass, growing
spontaneously in tliat port of the country. The Weathersfteld bonnet was
pronounced, by the principal dealers in London, superior in fineness and
beauty of color to the best Leghorn, and the cultivation or importation
of the straw was recommended as a means of supplying raw material of
superior quality. The Society, at its next session, Toted the large
silver medal, and twenty guineas, to Miss Woodhonse, on conditions which
would put the Society in possession of some of the seed, and the process
of bleaching, which were sent by her with a description of the whole
treatment of the culm, and a certificate that' she was the original
inventor of the art.* A patent was granted, in the "United States, Dec.
35, to Garden Wells and Sophia Welis, of Weathersford, for making
hats and bonnets of grass, iu the manner above mentioned.
The Misses Burnap, of Merrimac, M". H., also claimed, not far from
this time, the first discovery, in that region, of the manufacture of
Leghorn bonnets. A grass bonnet of their manufacture sold this year,
in Boston, at auction, for fifty dollars. In consequence of the high price
of Leghorn hats and bonnets at this time, the manufacture had been
commeneed in a number of places, and many specimens riralled, if they
did not surpass the Italian. The importation of common straw hats had
been long stopped by the domestic manufacture in Massachusetts, Con-
necticut, and elsewhere. Premiums as high as twenty dollars each were
offered in New York for the finest specimens of bonnets, and the com-
plete establishment of the business, it was thought, would soon be a
saving of two millions of dollars annually to the country, and furnish an
article for exportation.
Patents.— Paul Moody, Boston (Jan. IT), for frames for spinning
cotton ; to the same (Feb. 19), two patents for roping or spinning cotton,
one being the double speeder. These and other improvements of Mr.
Moody were introduced into the new factories at Walthara and LowelJ,
and aided in establishing the cotton manufacture in the United States,
upon ai! improved and permanent basis. John Brown, Providence, R, I.
(Jan. 23), for spinning and roping cotton and wool by hand ; the samo
(Aug. 11), for a vertical spinner; G-eorge J. Newbury,. New York
(Feb. 1), printing with metallic and colored powder (bronzing) ; A. 0.
Stansbury, New York (April T), and Samuel Rust, New York (May 13),
improvements in the printing press. Mr. Rust's invention was known
as the Washington press, which for some time was made by Rust &.
(I) Traiip. Soc. Arts, vol. 40., rp. 217-222.
,y Google
372 BAIL CL'OTH — HAIL-IVATS — BUTIES. [1 831
Turncy, afterward by Messrs. U. Hoe & Co., of Wew Yovl;, by whom tlioy
were greatly improved. Five different improvements in tte cast iron
plongli were patented by inliabitants of New York State. Minus Ward,
Columbia, S. 0. (March 22), improvement in steam engines. Tiiia was
for an alternating or rotary engine, wliieli enabled the piston rod to
describe a rotary motion npon its extreme end, when tnming a wheel.
Eoss Winans, New York (Jane 26), fulling cloth by steam ; Josiah
Chapman, Frantford, Pa. (July 9), sail duck loom. Sail cloth, made by
the improved method of the patentee, at Frankford, was tried on the
boxer, in 1815, by Captain Porter, and was found snperior to English
or Russian, having twice the durability in hard service. James
Richards, Paterson, N. J. (Ang. 10), sail cloth loom ; Isaiah Jennings,
New York (Sept. 22), repeating rifles ; John Cook, Fayetteville, N. C.
(Oct. 12), machine for packing cotton; Charles Williams, Boston, improve-
ment in railways. The patentee, in a comrannication to the Richmond
Whig, dated Fluvanna county, "Virginia, December 13, 1845, claimed to
have invented, in 181T, a wooden railway, to remove dirt, and during
this and the following year to have planned a small engine, in Boston, to
use steam, and therefore to have been the first to apply steam to rail-
roads, the first locomotive of Stephens having been copied from liia
invention. '
The seventeenth Congress was memorialized during its first session, by
Mr. Jefferson, the rector, and the visitors of the University of Virginia,
1S22 ^"^ ^^ *^^ trustees of the Transylvania University, for a repeal
of the duty on books Imported into the United States, as being an
obstruction to the progress of science, literature, and general improvement.
The Senate Committee on Finance, on 8th January, made a report
adverse to the prayer of the trustees, because, by the tariff of April,
1816, philosophical apparatus, instruments, books, maps, statues, and
other articles imported for the use of any society incorporated for philo.
aophical or literary purposes, or for the encouragement of the fine arts,
or by order and for the use of any seminary of learning, were exempt
from duty. The interests of authors, publishers, paper and type.makera,
and of the revenue, forbade an exception, principally for the benefit of
professional gentlemen or scholars of wealth and leisure, who might wisli
to obtain rare or elegant and expensive editions of foreign authors. On
ordinary or cheap editions of English works for general circulation, the
export bounty of three pence per ponnd weight, allowed in Great
Britain, nearly balanced the American import duty of fifteen per cent.
(1) .?ep Merchiint's Magaiino, vol. I-l, p. 249.
,y Google
. TAEIFE BILL — COTTOS CILOP. 273
ad valorem. It was, moreover, clesirable that we should have Ameri-
can editions, adapted to our exigencies and tastes and less productive
of foreign infiueoce.
-The subject of Protection to manafaetures, which had strongly
agitated the country for four or five j«ars, was, on the following day,
once more brought up in the House by a bill reported so late in the
Session, that, after having been twice read and amended, the Honse, by
a vote of sixty-two to fifty-three, refused to go into committee for the
final consideration of that and the Auction Bill, and a new one was
reported to the next Congress. Mr. Baldwin's bill proposed a very
t'ODsiderable increase in the rates of duty, and the substitution of speciBe
rates on a large number of articles.
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Manufactures, instructed
to inquire into the expediency of prohibiting the importation of foreign
distilled spirits, reported toward the close of the session, that although
agrienlture and manufaetnreB, and in a short time the revenue, would he
benefited by the prohibition, its immediate effects would be injurious to
the commercial interests of the United States, and would diminish the
revenue, before an excise system conld be brought into operation. They
recommended, in preference, a gradual increase of duties to the extent
of prohibition, for wbich purpose a bill must originate in the Honse as a
revenue measure, Mr. Baldwin's taiitf bill proposed to raise the duties
on cottons and woolens, only eight and one third, and on iron, steel,
copper, brass, and lead, five per cent., making them thirty-three and one
third per cent, on the former and twenty-five on the latter.
The cotton crop of the United States amounted, this year, to
210,000,000 pounds or thirty millions of pounds more than that
of 1821. T!ie quantity exported was about 144,T00,000 pouiids, or
nearly twenty millions of pounds more than in the last year. The heavy
importationsof the two years caused a reduction of the price in Eng-
land, to an average, on the whole year, of eight and a quarter cents per
pound. Some prime lots, which early in the season cost, in Charleston,
eighteen and a half cents, sold in November for eight and a half pence,,
eqnivalent, with exchange at eleven per cent,, to tivelve and a half cents
it pound. The average price of Upland cotton, toward the end of
August, was as low as six and a half pence in Liverpool, or about nine
and a quarter cents with exchange as above. The loss to shippers of
cotton, was from twenty-five to thirty-three per cent., and was estimated
to amount, on the exports of the whole year, to between four and five
millions of dollars. The first cotton from Egypt was received at Liver-
pool the ensuing year.
The cotton culture was Brst commenced, this year, in Texas, by
18
,y Google
214: TEXAS COTTON — DUCK— WALT HAM. [1822
Cnlonel Jsired K. Groee, in the bottoms of the Brazns (Ip Pios, where
the first coluDj from the United States was planted in the last year, by
Genera! Stephen F. Austin, the father-in-law of Col. Groce. On thu
plantation "of the latter the first cotton gin in Austin's Colony, and the
second in the state, was erected in 1825, the first having been bnilt by
Mr. John Cartwright, of the Iledlands^
The most extensile Cotton pressing and Tobacco warehouse, at this
lime, in New Orleans, was that of Mr. V. Rillieux, and was furnished
with three presses, with steam, water, and horse powers, and a lire
engine. It was capable of containing eleven hundred and fifty bales of
cotton, and cost $150,000,
The manufacture of Cotton Sail Duck was commenced in February
of this year, at Patterson, N. J., by Mr. John Colt, who employed
hand looms, and made it wholly of double and twisted yarn, without
starch or dressing. In March, 1824, up to which time he had made
only about five hnndred pieces, Mr. Colt introduced the power loom,
which had been used for several years by Mr. Bemis, the original
manufacturer of the article. The business was from that time rapidly
improved and extended by Mr. Colt, who, in 1831, made 460,000 yards,
ffllich quantity he has since more thun donbled. His sail duck ha.s
alwayH been in high repnte. Two duck factories at Paterson, in 1823,
owned by Mr. Colt and Mr. Travers, with fourteen hundred and thirty-
three spindles and one hundred hand looms, consumed upward of a ton
of flax daily, and in a great measure supplied the United States Navy
with canvas. There were, at the same time, twelve cotton mills, with
17,124 spindles ^nd one hundred and sixty-five power looms ; three ex-
tensive woolen factories; three machine factories, one of which, Good-
win, llogers & Co., was said to be the most extensive and complete
in the "United States, employing sixty-six hands ; throe extensive bleach
greens ; two brass and iron foundries, saw and grist mills, paper mill,
rolling and slitting mill, nail factory, and reed factory. During the
same year, cotton duck began to be made in Baltimore, by Charles
Crook Jr. and Brother, who made from forty to sixty bolts per week,
thirty-six yards in length by twenty inches wide, weighing forty pounds
to the bolt. It was fifty per cent, stronger than required by the standard
of the navy board, bat the mannfacturers were ruined by the enterprise,
although it has since become a prosperous manufacture in Baltimore.
The cotton manufactory at Waltham, Mass., made, at this time, thirty-
five thonsand yards of cloth weekly, or about 1,820,000 yards in a year.
It employed about five hundred operatives, nearly all of thorn Ameri-
(l) Do Bow's Review, toI. li„ p. li.
,y Google
1823] DOMESTICS — ESCRAVED CYLINDEKS — STEAM — COAI. 275
cans. The sheetings and sbirtiags, or dot t tl 3 b g t be
called, a quality of goods which originated w tl tl f t y 1
coming quite popular in a!] pai-tsof the Un d f g m kt
Considerable quantities were already export d y ly t h ti A
where they were in much demand, Negro 1 tl f tt d w 1
also an American fabric, were fast supersod B t h I th as 1 1
of clothing for slaves.
The first cotton mill at Lowell commenc d th m f t f 1
this year, and propositions were made forth t f df t y
The second cotton mill in North Carolina, w t d t L It
Messrs. David H. Mason and Matthew W B Id m f t f
imjiroved bookbinders' tools, in Philadelpl mm I 1 t tl
date, the first engraving of Cylinders for c ! p t g th Tl d
States. The establishment of print works If, 1 t T t
and Pall River and Lowell, Mass., Dover, N H t E it m CI
biaville, N, Y,, and elsewhere, within a few \ g tl m [ p
ous bnsinesK, in which their nnraerons imp m ts 1 1 d th m t
compete snccessfully with foreign artists. Th t d m f
tnre of tools and machinery adapted to th m f wh h
jiatented this year, led to the constrnction f 1 P ' g 1
drying and calendering machines, for cott Ik P P 1 J d
seal presses, engravers' machines, stationary g d macl y
general, which was carried on at 14 Mine t t Th b
soon followed by the construction of locom t f 1 d f ! h
Mr. Baldwin was one of the first, as he is w f th m t t
sive bailders in the United States.
Steam power was this year first introdnc I th '^ g m ft
of Lonisiana, which produced, at this time, I t tl ty th d h g
iieads, and in the next ten years, increased 1 1 ty tl 1 b g
heads. The first Steam Sngar mills and ei g 1 fly mp t d
by Gordon & Forstall, and cost about $13 OOJ Th f t mid
not become genera! until our own foundrie h 1 d d ti 1 t
five or six thousand dollars.
The Bituminous Coal Basin of Richmond, Ch t h Id T ^
taining the oldest wrought collieries in Am d f m y y th
only domestic source for that species of fuel pi 1 tl y f
portation, forty-eight thousand tons, whicl d 18 3 t
142,000 tons; from which the supply an ily uecl ed t t fi
thousand tons in 1842.
The Iron Manufacture of the United Sftw mhp ttlt
this time. The importation of all kinds of th > f G t
Britain, was 15,000tons, againstS.OOOtons th 1 ty Th h gli t
,y Google
2T6 IRON WORItS AND CASTINOS — FLANNELS — RUBBER CLOTH. [1822
price of Ijar iron in tlie United States, from Juue, 1820, to July, 1824,
was forty-sis dollars, and the average aboat forty-two dollars per ton.
Am th k p -at t B d V m t
One f th d b) M P F 11 m d tl ty t f b
iron 11\ d 1 y i q 1 ty f li I d t b
bett d t gh th th tnp t d f E gl ] M C t
worl tly 1 t it m d t f tl m
Cast g d t b tl b t th t y m d by 1 t th
am t f b d d t lly i 1 d d C t ^ L gl
ton mi d C ki g St p t t d t! t y 1 h
pop I th t th d m d m 1 d d th pi Ij
Th fi t t s&f 1 f C d t P p tl
Tin t 1 St t as ra d b t th t m tl vi f th I m t
Wat W k t Ph I d Ipb Tb y w t t5 t ty
ill t f t t I gtb d t t tw ty t h d
met p tl il f 1 d by M W Ik g f tl N
Kiv wt k Ldwl t ti.p
sac f I Ab 1 30 000 f t f p p d th t f tb 1
joi t f p 1 t t I db Id d tl S 1 jJkil t
was t d d t 8 945 p t d 11 185 m f d
401 p t I th th ty
Blttb pp f th IdPll ft
Hnid w md d dd gthy lyTh Ski f
Ke 1 k by 1 1 d bj b If
S mp! f wb t FI 1 d tl f t f If Ik Id
Cb 1 t f ni y d d w d 1 q 1 1 tl b t
Wei h a 1
Wtpflthmdbyd I th ptlm
(CO 1 1) 1 m t th fac f t I f 1 th 1 y m
of tb If d th p g t b tw 11 rs 1 g b t tl
tira t b d Gl ^ by M M I t h h t f tl
pro II bb b fi t 1 g b t th t t t m
poit d t th IT t 1 St t
Th 1 Id t t p y t tt mi t d tl y f i H b £, th
(3) m
Biiinturg, in 1791, is an nctount of ths and foreWtJ. Tho first patent for ita appli-
innnner of obtoinias "°'l nianufaoture of ention in tie aria in Bnglnnd, whs given,
einslic gum, or oaoulohouc— tben only used we believe, tn Cbarlas Bagnnelle Fleetwood,
fur erasing pencil mniLs, whence it deriTBd in 1S24, "For o. liqnid and oonipositlon foe
thG name of India Kubbar— and suggested rendoriog leather watcr-proef," (by dissoly-
,y Google
1823] PHINTIKa AND PAPER MAKI_VG— SHOT— BUTTONS. 2Tt
United States, was the completion at Pliiladelphia, daring this year, of
an Amei-icaii edition of Rees's Cyclopedia, rev is ed, corrected, enlarged
and adai t d t t! ' t j It f ty 1 m q t w th
sixaddit I ] m f (] t t tUTl gUy fi h 1 g
"'Ss- It d tl t t g 30 000 m f p p d w tl
largest h k t! E gl h 1 g f.
^•"^ P P I' P t I b k 11 1 t d t m m
i-ialize C g g t d t f th d ty mp rt d b k
stated th t tl 1 1 f b k m ft 1 ]\j Ph [ d 1
phia iva d Ijy m th ra II f I 11 } y
article us d th i ss m 1 1 1
An extensive paper mill on Bronx river. New York, was destroyed
by fire, with its machinery and stock, and one of the large paper mills
of the Gilpins, on the Brandywine, was carried away by a flood of great
violence, reducing to a mass of rubs the first cylinder paper machine
constructed in this country, the invention and improvement of which
had cost Mr. Gilpin years of labor and expense.
A company was incorporated for the erection of a Shot Tower, in
Baltimore, on the west side of North Gay street. It was 160 feet high,
and baiit by Jacob Wolfe, under the direction of Col. Joseph Jamieson,
president of the company.
Mr. Oreswick, of New York, contracted to supply the United States
Wavy with Brass Buttons, which he strnck oiF at the rate of nearly two
dozen in a minute by a newly invented stamping machine, said to be the
only one in America,
In nine years, since the enrolment and license of the fii-st steamboat
employed in trade on the Mississippi, there were eighty-nine boats
enrolled at the port of New Orleans, with an aggregate admeasure-
ment esceeding 18,000 tons. The whole number built on the Western
waters, np to the end of this year, was 108, of which number ten were
built this year, and seven in the last.
Patents.— A. C. Baker and M. F. Biddle, Albany, N, Y (Feb. 1),
transferring impressions from paper to wood ; C. M. Graham, New
York (March 9), artificial teeth, the first for that object ; Wm.' Hall
Boston (March 33), and Joseph Hastings, Cambridge, Mass. (Aug.'
14), making isinglass or icthyocolla. This manufacture was thought to
have been brought to great perfection by Mr. Hall, his isinglass being
considered far superior to any imported. Robert Moore, Rowan
county, N. C. (March 19), a mode of delaying buds from blossoming-
George Murray, (March 23), and James Puglia, (Aug. 13), both of
Philadelphia, making banknotes; Reuben Hyde, Winchester, Mass.
(April 19), machine for making pdes for fencing; B and J
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2T8
PATENTS THRESHER — PERCUSSION CAPS. [18'23
Tyler, and J. B. Andrews, Windsor, Vt. (April 33), a thresbing ma-
chine. Tliis mill, invented two or tbree years before, was moved by
two hovses, and with a drivei- and four men would thresli and clean
about twenty-five bushels of wheat in an hour ; water and steam power
conld be used, and it would thresh cloverseed, rice or coffee, with e<^nal
Buccess. John Ames, Springfield, Mass. (May 14), machine for making
paper ; Joshua Shaw, Philadelphia, (June 19), improvement in percus-
sion guns;' John Rogers, Washington, D. C. {June 24), marine rail-
way. This invention of Capt. Rodgera, President of the Navy Board,
was the snbjeet of a special message to Congress from the President,
accompanied by a letter and description of tlie "inclined plane" dock
and fixtures for hauling up ships, with estimates of cost, etc., and the
committee to whom the documents were refeiTed, reported a resolution
to appropriate $50,000 for a dock, wharves, etc., at the Navy Yard,
Washington. Eli Terry, Plymouth, Conn. (May 26), wooden wheel
clocks; Moses Pennoek, East Marlborough, Pa. (June 26), horse Lay-
rake ; James McDonald, New York (Aug. 31), flas and hemp machine.
This machine, for breaking and cleaning unrotted hemp or flax by one ,
horse power, with a man and three boys to attend it, would clean from
1,600 to 2,000 lbs. in a day, yielding 400 to 500 Jbs. when bleached.
By attaching another machine, and adding another man and boy, it
could clean with the same power 800 to 1000 lbs. of bleached fibre, at a
cost of $5 per diem. Peter Force, Washington, D. C. (Aug. 22),
printing paper hangings; N. Wright, Onondaga, N. Y. (Oct. 3),
machinery for cooper's work. A cooper's ware factory employing this
patent machinery, and a capital of $3,000 and six hands, was in opera-
(1) The invention of the peioussion loak The invention of percussion Are aims h»3
iindoflphosbeeniiaoribedtoMf,Shaw,aome been claimed by different persons. The
of wliosB patented improveoienla in peroua- London Society of Arts, in 1813, voled Mr.
siouguBs,pi3tolB,an(icannon,includinglhfl Collmson HiJI, of Mnry-le-bone, a silver
wafer pvin,ar for percussion cannon, were medai for a perouBsion gun lock, described
tested and approved by the United States in the 36th volume of the Transoctions for
Eoverninent,fromwbiehiiereeeivedtl8,flOB that year, and in'182fi, prese.ited the gold
nut ef $29,000 granted him by Congreas, in Vuloan medal to Capt, T. Dickinson, of Iha
1S4S, for the use of his patents, although ha Boynl Navy, for the application of percuB-
is said te have been entitled te, or olaimed aion powder by means of caps, te naval
ttrCflOO Hewasamanefgreatingenuity, ordnance.— See Trana., vol. 43, p. 109, etc.
and a native of Lineelnshire, England, Hapoleon III. has also conferred a pension
whence became to Philadelphia, in IBIT, of sia thonsond franes upon Capt. Delvigne,
bringing with him, as a present io the as the inventor of the peroussien lock. The
Pennsjhania Hospital, fi-om bis friend flrst use of fulminating powder in guuB
Benjamin ^Yest, the American painfer, Ihe adapted to its use, has also been ascribed to
artist's great piotnre of " Christ Healing the M. Berlnger, in Kranoe.
Siek." He died at Burlington, N. J., in
,y Google
1823 ^
1S22] PATENTS — aEVISIOS OF TAUIFF. 279
tiuii at Onondaga, and was said to give a net profit of forty per cent,
at wbolesale prices, oa tlie capital every time it was turned over, whicli
could be done several times in the year. B. Heald, Norridgework, Me.
(Dec. 4), maeliine for sliearing cloth. HealiJ & Howard's patent cioth
shearing machines were calcnlated to shear two pieces at one operation,
and were made in Philadelpbia, in 1828, by Benj. P. Pomroy. Chi-isto-
pber Cornelius, PMladeiphia (Dec. 38), light-house lamps. Cornelius's
Lamps for burning lard were on the solar principle of the Argand lamp,
and were of great illuminating power, as shown by tests made under
direction of the Treasury Department.
The subject of a revision of the tariff, with a view to the protection
of domestic industry, continued to be one of paramount interest to the
whole country. The sixth annual message of President Monroe
to Congress, on 3d December last, adverted to tbe subject in
these terms : " Satisfied I am, whatever may be the abstract doctrine
in favor of unrestricted commerce (provided all nations would concur in
it, and it was not likely to be interi-upted by war, which has never oc-
curred and cannot be expected), that there are other strong reasons
applicable to our situation, and relations with other countries, which
impose oa us obligations to cherish our manufactures."
On the 9th January, Mr. Tod, of PennsyWania, from the Committee
on Manufactures, to whom this passage of the executive speech had been
referred, along with sundry memorials, reported a bill for the more
effectual encouragement and protection of certain domestic manufac-
tures, which was read twice and committed to tlie Committee of tlie
Wliole on the State of the TTnion. It proposed to add five per cent, to
the existing duties on woolen goods, making them thirty per cent, ad
valorem, and estimating them at the minimum price of eighty cents per
square yard, except blankets, flannels, and worsted or stuff goods,
making the duty virtually prohibitory on all coarse woolens, but the most
necessary ones. The duty on cottons was left as before, but a minimum
price of thirty-five cents per square yard on checked and strijiei! cloths,
was proposed in part with the view of preventing foreign manufacturers
from defrauding and discrediting American factories, by palming off
worthless counterfeits of American cottons. On silk, linen, and hempen
goods, the duty was increased to twenty-five per cent., and the minimum
valuation of twenty-five cents a yard on the last two was established as on
cottons. On Leghorn and silk hats au increase of one third was pro-
posed, making the duly forty per cent., with a minimum price of one
dollar. On hammered- bar iron an addition of five dollars per ton was
proposed, leaving rolled iron as before. On lead, hemp, nails, glass,
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230 tod's tariit bill discussed. [1823
iiiiJ Qiaay other ai-ticles, an increase of duties, and cliange from ad
valorem to specific rates were contemplated by the bill.
It was called up on 29th Jaimarj, and Mr. Tod, in explaining its
principles, stated the amount paid or due to foreign nations for munufac-
Inrea of wool, cotton, linen, hemp, iron, lead, glass and earthenware
imported in the last two jeare, was $55,453,951 (of which woolens
lormed oTer $19,000,000, and and cottons nearly 111,750,000). The
annual average was S'JT, '726,91 5, esclnsivo of all re-exportations, and
exceeded, by aboTe $8,000,000, the yearly expenses of the governnient
aad the interest of the national debt.
While such was the state of the import trade, foreign nations refused
to reciprocate by taking American flour and provisions on like terms, in
part payment The grain-producing capacities of the country had been
increased by new accessions of territory and internal improvements, from
lour to sixfold since 1790; bat the annual exports of flour, beef, and
poik, etc , weie only about equal to the average of the five years frora
1190 94 As tu the oft-repeated objection that duties on foreign manu-
lactuies enhanced the price to the consumer, a sufficient answer wa.'j
furnished in the case of coai-se cottons.. These were supplied better and
cheaper, by our own workmen, than the imported g;oods ; yet these were
the only articles legally protected by a prohibitory dnty, like those of
other nations. These were, moreover, the very articles, the duty on
which had constantly been made, by the adversaries of protection, the
iheme of complaint is an instance of pernicious and oppressive legisla-
tion, as in the Salem memorial, and that of the United Agricultural
Societies of Virginia.
The bill had not, therefore, been framed solely nor chiefly for the
benefit of the manufacturer. If protection now enabled the poor man
and the farmer to obtain coarse cottons at a price, considering the
quality, one half (he would say one third) that formerly paid for the
impoite3 article — as it was notonous he could do — the same effect might
be expected to follow the exclusion ot other aiticles with the fuither
advant^e of having constant employment foi hia finiilv or a market
for his produce if hving near a factoty Mi Hohombe, fiom New
Jeisey, who ably supported the bill, remarked thit the manufactunna;
question was veiy different ftom what it was tun yeirs beloie It was
no longei whether we could m mnficture any article as profitibl) as we
could purchase it, bat whcthei bj additional protection we could not
sell profitably abioad as well as supply the domestic maiket
The bill was strongly opposed by most of the membei'' from the
planting distncts and by several fiom the commercial and manufactnring
towns of the north ; among whom, were prominent Messrs. Cambreleng,
,y Google
18333 TONNAGE LAWS — NATIONAL FOTJNDGY-— STEAMBOATS. 23l
of New York, Tatnall, of Georgia, Gorhani, of Massaclmsetts, Durfee, of
llhode Island, and otliers, some of whom nsed very strong laiigaage and
even tbreateiied or counselled resistance. It was supported with enernry
by Messrs. Tod, Holcombe, of New Jersey, Mallary, of Termont, Eaatis, of
Massaclmsetts, and many otliers. Haying been warmly debated for several
days Mr Tod oa 14th February made a motion, with a iiuw of having
the bill bioueht dueetly befoFe the Hoase for fanal action which pro
diiLcd much excitement , ifter which it was laid t^ide foi othei bu'iine •>
j,nd was not agim considered dunng the se&sion
The revenue Kws were amended by an act appioved Maich 1
decieeing th'it no goods imported, subject to id valorem dutits should
be admitted to entry nnless the true invoice was pioduced e^ceptm^
^ooda fiom 1 ftieck
By an act of the same date United States ports were opened to
British vessels fiom colonial poits m Ameiica
On the third Match the act of 16th Mij 1820 imposm" a tonnage
duty on Ftench ships was repealed iiid a discriminating dnfj of two
dolluih and seventy five cents pei ton on Trench goods impoited on
riencli bottoms was laid and after t«o jearswastobe diminished one
fourth annually
An act of the bame date to establish a National Toundiy on the
"nestein wfters appiopiiated $5 000 for the employment of cngineeia
Bud olheis uidet the direction of the Piesident to esamine and teport,
on the most suitable bite the cost ot election etc
Ihe repoit of the commissioneis made at tlie next session, m con-
foiraity with the last mentioned act described three lucalitiei on the
wateis of western Pennsylvania and made the following estimate of the
coat of steam power etc , at Pittsburg for auch an establishment one of
tin piopoaed sites being near that town The total aunml tost foi four
Bteamwiioines woiking thiee hunilied and thirteen dijs would amount,
fui one bundled and siitj bushels coil pei diem <it thiee cents a bushel,
foi Oil and foui packings each and for the wages of four engineers at
$400 each to $3 225 bO It also stated that theie weie empleyed m
Pittabnig It this time fourteen engines fiom twenty to eighty horse
power each whose united powei exceeded ihat if the whole extent of
the Muskingum iivei with i head of eight feet
With the genetal reiival of business about this time the building of
S eanibo*vts was resumed at Maiietta by James Whitnei and others,
who in the nest fifteen ye^is built about forty boats The business
nJ&o receiyed a new impuhe in other n\ er to« na jmong n hich Pittsburg
and Cineiniidti took the lead. At Pittsburg, seyen boatj,, measuimg
together about nine hundred and sixty tons ; and at Cincinnati four boats,
,y Google
283 WESTJIRN NAVIGATION — FIRST EAILWAY ACT. [18^3
whose toDnage was seven hundred aud ninety, were built ia this year ;
and four others at Steobenville, Marietta, and Louisville.
A stern wheel boat, the Virginia, first ascended the Mississippi by
steam, as far a-s Fort Snelling, in May of this year.
The progress of steam navigation on the Western rivers had already
effected a great saving ia the time and cost of travel and transportation.
The average time and rates of passage between certain ports were aa
follows : New Orleans to Cincinnati, a distance of fourteen hundred and
eighty miles, sixteen days, fare fifty dollars, down passage eight days,
twenty-ive dollars ; Louisville to Cincinnati, one hundred and thirty
mOea, thirty hours, six dollars ; downward, fifteen hours, four dollars;
Cincinnati to Pittsburg, four hundred and forty-nine miles, five days,
fifteen dollars ; downward, sixty lioura, twelve dollars.
During the year, 68,932 tons of merchandise, valued at $3,590,000,
exclusive of iron eastings, salt, gunpowder, white lead, and other manu-
factures not estimated, descended the falls of the Ohio at Louisville. It
was the growth and manufacture of 1823, and came from all parts of
Ohio, e.fcept the lake border, from two thirds of Kentucky, one half of
Indiana, and small portions of western Pennsylvania and Virginia. The
value of produce and manufactures sliipped from Cincinnati and its im-
mediate vicinity, in the year ending in April, wag estimated at over
$1,000,000, and included types and printing material worth $10,000,
paper $15,000, cabinet furniture $20,000, chairs $6,000, hats $6,500.'
The first Railway Act in America was passed 3Ist March, by the
General Assembly of Pennsylvania, to incorporate a company to erect a
railroad from Philadelphia to Columbia, in Lancaster county, under the
name of " the President and Directors of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company," the stock of which was limited to six thousand shares, of one
hundred duiliia each The act ww passed as the preamble declares, in
eonsequem,e of the memonal of John Stevens and his associates, .which
stated that it would facilitate ti ansportation, and that Mr. Stevens had
made impoitant improvements in the construction of railways. The
road was to he built undei his supeni tendence, but this first link in the
great chain of commnnicatioii with the west was finally completed by
the state.' Dnring this yeai ilso the Champlain Canal, connecting the
(1) Hika's R^^giste to 25 p 95 at he eipBAEe of the oommonwenltli. It
(3) Mr. Stevens and a i o -tne ! n tha wsa oon afMr located, and begun the next
ontsrprise, hov ng fa led to car j 0 t year and completed from Philadelphia to
tliair design, the aot wai repealei Apr 1 Columh a, eighty-one and B, balf miles, in
7, IS26, by an act to moorpo ate the October 1834. The Danville itnd Poltsvillo
Columbia, Lancaster and Ph ladelph a Ka 1 Ra Iroad Company iras also chartered 3th
rondCompany onl on 2Stb March lt28 Apr 1 1826.
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1823] EACTORIIES IN WEW YOUIi AND NEW HAMPSHIBB. 283
Hudson river at Albany witli I-^ake Cliaiuplaiii, aud tlie first portion of
the great Bystem of iiiterual navigation, between New Yoric and tiie
basins of the St. Lawrence and the great lakes, was completed. The
grand Erie Canal was so far completed that ten Ihoasand barrels of
floar were embarked at Rochester, for New York and Albany, and with
the first boats passed on 8th October.
About thirty-five Mannfacturing Companies, with a total capital of
over two and a quarter millions of dollars, were incorporated in New
York State, under tlje general act of 181 1, since June 1818. The whole
number of incorporated manufacturing companies in the state on 1st
October, was two hundred and six, whose capital stock amoniited to
$20,350,500. Among these there were, for manufactnring cotton and
woolen goodfi, sixty-two ; for cotton goods only, thirty-six ; for woolen
only, sixteen ; for cotton, woolen, and linen cloths, twelve ; for glass, ten ;
ironmongery, five ; coarse salt, three ; and some others. Some of these had
probably ceased to exist, but there were, in addition, hundreds of private
aud unincorporated companies.' The general law of 1811 was amended,
in April of last year, to enable the trustees of such companies to
mortgnge the property of the corporation for the payment of debts, etc.
Oneida county contained, beside other manufactories equally extensive,
a woolen mill, working op 80,000 lbs. of wool, six cotton factories, with
G,35e spindles, and 128 power looms, and a cotton and woolen factory,
with seven hundred spindles and twelve power looms.
New Hampshire contained twenty-eight cotton and eighteen woolen
factories, twenty-two distilleries, twenty oil mills, one hundred and ninety-
three bark mills, three hundred and four tanneries, tivelve paper mills,
and flfty-four trip hammers. Dover, Exeter, Peterborough, and Pem-
broke, were the principal manufacturing towns, of which Dover was
the most important, on account of the extensive cotton, woolen, and
iron works erecting there. The Dover manufactories on the Cocheco,
with a capital of half a million dollars, had in full operation twenty-five
hundred spindles, and eighty-six looms, making forty-inch sheetings and
thirty-inch shirtings to the amount of ten thousand yards per week, and
had also a bleachery attached. A rolling and slitting mill, and nail
works machine shop, were also in coarse of erection.
A cotton mill was building in the state, caJculated for twenty thousand
spindles, probably that of the Nashua Manufacturing Company, incorpo-
rated this year, which became the centre of extensive manufactures of
cotton, iron, etc., on the Nashua river, the valuable water power of
which was overlooked by the founders of Lowell.
A new manufacturing village arose, about this time, upon the south side
(1) Kllos'a Register, yol. 25., p. II.
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284
CHTCOPBE COMPANY — CYLICOES, ML'SLINS, ETC.
of Uie Cliicopee riyer, near Springfield, Massachusetts, upon land piirehased
iu the last year by J. and E. Dwight, of SpriDgfield, who, associated
with other gentlemcsu of Springfield and Boston, were iucorporated, iu
January of this year, as the Boston and Springfield Manufacturing
Company, with a capital of $500,000. A dam md oanal were made,
and a cotton mill completed in 1825, to which two other mills and a
bleoohery were added, in the next two years, by the corporation, which,
ill 1828, assumed the name of the Chicopee Manufactnriug Company,
aud now has four large mills, one of them containing over twenty
thousand spindles and nearly seven hundred looms. It has other exten-
sive manufactures of cotton, paper, arms, swords, hardware, eastings
etc, the last mentioned business having been carried on there since 1T86.
The rapidly increasing cultivation and consequent iow price of Cotton
in the Uuited States, the success of the Waltham cotton establishment,
which was regarded as the pride of America, and more recently of the
new works at Lowell, and the increasing popularity of the domestic
cottons, at home end abroad, which had already caused them to be
counterfeited by foreign manufacturers, led to extensive preparations iu
different parts of the country, to prosecute the cotton manufacture, with
all the advantages of associated capital and the most improved machinerv.
Calico printing, ou a large scale, was also contemplated in several places,
and had already been commenced in two or three. American Calicoes^
or chintzes, of seven or eight colors, fast and brilliant as any imported,
accompanied by specimens of jaconet muslin, suitable for gentlemen's
neck cloths, spun and woven on the Brandywine, were sent early in the
year to the editor of the Register at Baltimore. The printed cottons,
being made of American cotton, were better than English prints of
similar, kind, which were usually made of the inferior Bengal or Sural
cotton. They could be sold for twenty-five cents a yard. About forty
thousand dollars were said to be invested in their manufacture. The
Warren factory, at Baltimore, was making large preparations to manu-
facture calicoes, and finished its first bale in July of the ensuing year.
Print works were erecting at Taunton and Lowell, Massachusetts, at
Dover, Kew Hampshire, and were in operation on a smaller scale in
Philadelphia.
Rhode Island, in proportion to its population, was more largely
engaged in manufactures than any other state. The number of cotton
manufactories in that and the adjacent parts of Massachusetts and Connec-
ticut, chiefly owned in Providence, was estimated at one hundred. Among
the largest were the establishments of Almy, Brown, and Slaters, at Smith-
field, and that of the Blackstone Manufacturing Company, at Mendon,
Massachusetts, the former having one hundred and sixteen, and the
,y Google
1823] INDDSTRIAL SOCIETIES — STItAff HATS— GLASS. 285
latter one huticlred and fiftj power looms, with six thousand spindles
each, with bleach and dye houses, and other collateral works, and the
Coventry Manufacturing Company, wilh four thousand spindles acd
seventy-two power looma, machine shop, saw and grist mill, etc.
Among other a.ssociations in the state, were the R. I. Society, for the
Enconragement of Domestic Industry, with a fund of $12,000, the interest
of which was awarded in premiums at their annual cattle shovy and
exhibition of domestic manufactures, and the "Hamilton Society," in
Providence, for the encouragement of manufactures.
The manufacture of Lace was carried on quite largely, at Medway,
Massachussetts, by Dean Walker & Co, They employed machines, one of
which would make daily fifty yards, five inches wide, which sold for two
dollars a yard, or below imported lace of similar quality.' Several manu-
factories of silk, in New Tork, Boston, and elsewhere, were said to be
doing well. Printed Silli handkerchiefs produced by them were highly
spoken of At the fair, in Providence, Rhode Island, Dr. Benjamin
Dyer, of that town, wore a complete suit of silk from materials produced
and manufactured in his own family.
The manufacture of plain Straw Hats and Bonnets, which had been
j,^racinally increasing for twenty years, was nearly suspended at this time
by the demand for Leghorn goods and their e'xtensive iraporfation. In
Massachusetts, where abont three hundred thonsaiwi bonnets had been
made and sold in a year, at an average price of $2,15 each, giving em-
ployment to twenty-flve thousand persons, chieHy young females — the
price was reduced to |1.25. The hats and bonnets imported during the
last year, as stated in Congress, amounted to the value of over
§700,000, of which $600,000 worth were from Leghorn and Malta.
Many females in New England, Kew Tork, and elsewhere, were turning
their attention to the manufacture of fine straw or grass bonnets, in
imitation of Leghorn, for their own use or for sole, and specimens of
these fashionable articles often sold for thirty to forty dollars apiece.
There was a Glass Globe Manufactory in Albany, New York, on n scale
which promised to supply the United States with the article.
Lechmere Point, in Cambridge, near Boston, now contained a popn-
(1) This loom was of aingulnr conetrac-
by means of two handlos, three
tii.n, Biid WHS mada in the Uuitod Stalw,
and two thumb pieces, producing
from the reoolloetior of a maohina Eaen in
plain laes fifty-siji inches wide. }
Bnglnnd hj the constrnotor. The warp
ing single threads, the web wa.^
was nonnd on twealy-six spools, each having
into (ncnty-six pieces, from ono ar
a compountl motion, nnd Iho spools, wilh
to five inches wida, which were a
twehe hundred and thirty shuttles, travers-
finished with ornamental needle i
ing side by side within a space of flaj-six
remote bands.
ineliea, were kept in motion by one man,
i.Google
28G riRBT POWER PEESS — SAVINGS BANKS — "WINE. [1823
lalioTi of more tliaii one ttousand. Its recent and rapid growth was
principallj ascribed to its manufacturing and provision establishments.
In -the glass house, cutting house, and other appendages to the manu-
factory, one hundred and forty worltmen were constantly employed.
There were manufactured there 22,400 lbs. of glass vessels per week,
many of which were beautifully cut and sent into Boston, and to various
other places for sale. The annual amount of sales was $150,000.
Besides an immense amount of provisions packed in the place, and
large manufactories of candles and soap, there were at the Point an
extensive pottery, a brewery, and two large carriage manufactories, and
one hundred and fifty men were employed in the vicinity in making
Bricks from an inexhaustible bed of c!ay.^
Mr. Jonas Booth, of New York, was said to have in operation the
first Steam Printing Press in the United States, from which the first
book printed was an abridgement of MuiTay's English Grammar,' The
first power press in the country, is also said to have been naed during
the ensning year, in the establishment of Shadrach Tan Benthaysen, at
Albany.'
Savings Banks were incorporated this year, at Troy, New York, and
Fortsmoatb, New Hampshire. The savings banks and friendly societies
of England and Ireland, had, at this time, $8,500,000 deposited in the
government funds oh behalf of the industrious classes.
Niohoias Longworth, Esq., of Cincinnati, about this time made his
first essay in Wine Making. It was made from the Schuylkill, Muscadel
or Tevay grape, which had been previously employed for many years
by the Swiss settlers at Vevay, Indiana, in making wine of an inferior
quality, which had, at this time, been altogether superseded by imported
wines. By an improved method, Mr. Longworth made a wine re-
sembling Madeii-a of the second quality, but having, soon after, received
from Major Adium, of Washington, some of the Catawba and other
native grapes, he has since, by the aid of ample capital and an improve-
ment on the process of Mr. Adlum, succeeded in establishing a per-
manent and yearly increasing manufacture of wine, chiefly from the
Catawba, in the valley of the Ohio. He long since expressed his con-
currence in the prediction made to him by Major Adlum, who said :
*' In introdaeing this grape to the public notice, I have done ray country
a greater service than I should have done had I paid the national debt "
Mr. Adlum published this year, "A Memoir of the Cultivation of the
Vine in America, and the best Mode of making Wines," The cultivation
,y Google
1823] LEAD MINING — MECHANICS' INSTHUTES. 3Sf
of the Tims was still continued in Indiana, and six vino drpisera made,
during this season, about five thousand five hundred gallons of wine,
Mr. Eichelberger, of York, Pa,, made also about forty barrfils of wiiife,
having ten acres of land covered with Lisbon, white, and other grapes
He proposed to extend his vineyard to twenty acres.
The Farmers' Brewery, an extensive establishment built in the lasi
year, at the corner of Tenth and Filbert streets, Philadelphia, by a,
company of farmers and farm-boldei-s, for the purpose of manufacturing
their own barley, and to increase the consumption of malt liquors, com-
menced operations early this year. There were fourteen or morn
breweries in the city, including the Farmers', Gauls', and some others
itill in operation.
The first lease of lands in the Lead region of the Tipper Mississippi,
aathorized by the act of March 3, 1801, which reserved such lands to
the Gcovernment, was issued this year to Colonel James Johnson, of
Kentucky, who commenced smelting the ore with a large force the
following year, causing an active emigration during the next five or six
years. The Government received ten per cent, in lead as rent, which
was afterward reduced to sis per cent. The amount of lead raanufao-
tnped in the Galeaa Lead region, from 1821 to September of this year,
was 335,130 pounds, chiefly by Indians ; but rapidly increased from this
time until 1829, when upward of 31,150,000 pounds had been taken
out, and having been overdone, the' business again declined.
0 th 2d D mb f th y th London Mechanics' Inatitntc
was tblhl dfmd [h tl history of industrial eduea-
t 1 gfitwkdibl tt ntion to the importance of
t t 1 t J 1 1 t 1 ence for the mechanic and
1 t bl h t of Mechanics' Institutes and
1 t th w Id The snggestion of such au
h t d 1 y the editors of the Mechanics'
tl d was carried out, primarily
th p f Dr. George Birkbeck, aided
t th f m of whom belongs the honor
I f neetion with the Anderso-
fi t d t ction in mechanical philoso-
t th 1> g classes,'
{I J Hole's Priia Essfty on Llterivrj, Soien- he approointod. The " Jlethnnics" clas;
tiflo and Mflchanioa' Inatllutiona, London, tlio Audarsonian UniversLtj, eafiiWiahed
ISaS. London MDaliantos' Journtil, vol. 4, the year 1800, by Dr. BIrkbeek, untl, ai
pp. 232-240. The London Instilulo, though 1804, oonduotod bj Dr. Andrew Ore, h
not slriotly tha first institution of its class, nbout July of tliia year (1823), organi
has the merit of having Qrst caused thiiui tu into the Glosj^nw Median ics' Institute, i
t
lilt tl g
th
h
1 f tth
tt
t
L 1
Mg
0 t 1 11
th 1
;htl
J i
bjM
B
gh m d
th
t tjtl
I tt
t tGlas
phy
miat y
i.Google
^8S THE FBASKrJN INSTITUTE — PEHKINS' STEAJI ENGINE. [1823
Iq November, 1822, a similar measare foi- tlie promotion of the
Mechanic Arts was discussed, but flnally abandoned, by a number of
gentlemen in Philadelphia, bat was revived by others dnring tliia year.
On the 9tli December, a meeting was held in the liall of the American
Phaosophical Society, when bpth of the previous propositions were con-
sidered and so combined as to result in the estahJishmect of an iustitn-
tion, which was incorporated on the 20th March, 18-24, as tlje " Frunlihn
Institute, of the State of Pennsylvania." Its constitution, framed by a
committee appointed at the meeting above named, slates Ihe objects of
the association to be " For the Promotion and Encouragement of Manu-
factuves and the Mechanic and "Useful Arts, by the establisliment of
popular lectures on the sciences connected with them ; by t!ie foundation
of a library, reading room, and a cabinet of models and minerals ; by
offering premiums on all subjects deemed worthy of encouragement ; by
examining all new inventions submitted to tliem, and by such other
means as they may deem expedient."
Much sensation was created in the scientific and manufacturing world,
both in England and the United States, by au improved steam engine,
in nse in the establishment of Mr. Jacob Pericins, in London, for which
letters patent were sealed to him in that country, lOth December, 1822,
and for other applications of the principle, in November and Decembei-
of this year. It combined, with great simplicity of construction and
economy in the cost, weight of metal, space and quantity of water and
fiiel required, which adapted it for navigation purposes—a great increase
of power. A cylinder two inches in diameter, eighteen inches long,
with a. stroke of only twelve inches, gave the power of ten horses, at an
expense of only eighteen hundred and forty-eight cubic inches of water,
and two bushels of coal daily. No new principle was claimed, but a.
new application of known principles, and these were also made applicable,
daring this year, to boOers of the old construction, and the heat was at
the "Liverpool Mec&onios' Itietilnte and forinatbn of nny opsoointion of mechanics
Apprentices' Libinry" waa establiahed the for mentnl instruction in Eu^o^e, n pnblic-
Bitme month, hoth of irhieh had, howOTor, spirited gentleman of New York, fftroral>ly
been preceded hj tlie Edinbnrg School of known for his scientific and litornrj pnhli.
Arts (now the Walt Institation), founded io cations and as a publio lecturer, is said In
April, 1821, hj Mr. Leonard Horner, A have resolved to attempt to anile tie
meohanieal inBtitotion had been formed as nicehanies uf that eitj into an inslilulion fur
onrly as 1817, in London, and otbers the the promotion of the mechanic aria, by Ice-
same year in Slasgow, Liverpool, find Ilnd- lures and othpr jadiciona moans. Betneen
dington, but none of them ollraclod general July of this year and May, 1S24, no less
attention until the London Inftitule was than thiHy-three Mechanics' Institutes
established, from ithich the hintory of itere eslahlished in Great Britain and else.
Mechanics' Institutes Is usually dated. It where.
is proper to remark, thai previous to the
i.Google
^323] PATENTS— TINNED PIPES— BTEEL. 289
the same time made to, return to tlie boiler, and perforin its serviee tlie
second time. 'J'iie iraprovementa related chiefly to the boiler or generator,
and were alao claimed by Mr. James Scott, of ProTidence, R. I., and by
others in Kew York and Baltimore. It was regarded in England as
one of the greatest improvements of the age.
Patents— Lncy Burnap, Merrimac, N. H., Feb. 16, for weaving
straw and grass for hats and bonnets ; Wm. Enapp, Miiford, N. Y°,
April 5, mode of extracting tannin ; 1), Roe, C. F. Kellogg, and J. W.'
Gazley, Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 3, mode of procuring tannin by the
pyroligneous acid ; and Horace H. Hayden, Baltimore, Nov. 26, pyro-
ligneoas oil and acid for tanning; Thomas Bwbank, N. Y., May 9,
manafacturing and plating lead pipes with tin, for stills, and May 30th,'
maimfactnring tinned slieet lead. Tliis, we believe, was the first appli-
cation in this country of tin as a lining or coating to metallic tubes and
plates. Adam Eamage, Philadelphia, May 19, printing press for proofs j
Amos Miner, Elbridge, N. Y., Jnly 9, machinery for making window
sash. This machinery bad been several years in operation in Onondaga
county, and the product was rising in demand. Henry Western,
Philadelphia, July 23, improvement in the machine for making pins;^
ArehibaM Smith, Rhinebeck, N. Y., Aug. SO, converting measured
rectilinear motion into rotary ; James Delliba, Watervliet, N. Y., Sept.
28, improvement in crucibles; B. L. Losey, Kew Brunswick, N. J.,
K"ov. 20, converting iron partially into steel (antedated Dec. 30, 1831).
A cutler and surgical instrument maker, of New York, early the nest
year, testified to having used two samples of New Brunswick patent
steel, made by S. Seymour & Co., one of bloomery iron, of Morris & Co. ,
of which he made penknife blades, the other from Swedish iron, of wJiich
he made a razor, and found both superior to any English blistered
BteeL For coarser kinds of edged tools, either was little inferior to cast
steel. John Conant, Brandon, Vt., Dee. 1 3, improvement in stoves for
cooking.
President Monroe, in his seventh annual message, delivered to the
eighteenth Congress, at its first session on 2d December, 1823, once
1824 '"*"''' ^'^^^''■'^'^ *° *^'^ subject of manufactures, and declared that his
views, as stated in his previous message, remained unchanged,
and were confirmed by the state of those foreign nations, with which the
(I) Mr. H. WhitlemorB hud in opsrotion, the timrk wire, and jequired only one mnn
in New York, a small pin mnohina, of to keep it in molion. In London they vera
Amariimn invealioQ, whioli ho hnd so im. only ahla, at that time, to make fourtean
prOTed that it would make, head and point, pin? in a minuto, and (hey were Ibbs per-
airty Eoiiii headed pins in n tninule, from fealty made.
19
,y Google
290 monkok's views — the new tabii'F. [1834
Uuited States held the most intimate political and commercial relations.
He recommended " a review of tlie tariff for tie purpose of affording
such additional protection to those articles wliich we are prepared to
manufacture, or which are more immediately connected with the defence
and independence of the cmmtry." In relation to the general progress
of the country, he adds, " If we compare the general condition of our
"Union with its actual state at the close of our revolution, the history of
the world furnishes no example of a progress in improvement, in all the
important circumstances which constitute the happiness of a nation,
which bears any resemblance to it."
Kot with standing the unexampled progress of the United States in all
the essential elements of the public welfare, as adverted to in the exeen-
tive message, many professed at this time to discover evidences of a
general impairment of the great sources of national prosperity, since the
peace of 1815, and of the threatened overthrow of some important
branches of American industry. Tlie manufactures of the country were
believed to have been long undergoing a slow disintegration from the
effects of foreign rivalry. The public finances had been so far impaired
as twice to compel a resort to loans, during a period of profound peace,
in order to meet the ordinary demands upon the Treasury, The agrieul-
tu e and tomme ce of the Union were already suffering from causes
wh I had dr ed up the sources of public and private revenue.
Tie CO vet on, which had long been gaining strength, that the
d fry of tl e country was inadequately protected against the superior
adva t ^os encouragements, and arts of the foreign manufacturer, by
the con ae 1 emulations of the United States, and which had produced
severil neffectuai attempts to procure a revision of the tariff act of 1816,
resulted dur ng this session, in the passage of a new law, which extended,
to several 1 inches of manufacture, a more decided measure of protection
tl an a y 1 efo e e lacted.
Tl e n easn e vas pressed upon the attention of Congress by an
u ual umle of memorials and petitions, from various sections and
1 te ests in the country. It was also the subject of numerous remon-
Bt ani*es t 1 me norials, from the commercial classes, and from the cotton
ani s "Av y ow ng interests, which were opposed to any change in the
tl ff or to any further legislative encouragement to manufactures.
He olut o s of the General Assemblies of Pennsylvania and Ohio were
also read m favoi of further aid by Congress to domestic manufactures.
The total value of dutiable imports, during the last four years, was
$2e4,9G2,45T, and the duties which accrued thereon amounted to
$90,430,612, being an average of thirty-five per cent. The new tarilT,
enacted this year, raised the average rate of duty to forty and a half
,y Google
1824] NEW TARIFF ACT — ITS PROYISIONS. 291
per cent., on a total importation, during' the next fiiur y&vi, of
$301,558,885, on whicli duties were paid to tlie amount of 1121,631,913.
The new bill, to amend tlie Ecyeral acts imposing duties on imports,
wliicli was introduced by Mr, Tod, cbairman of the Committee on
Manufactures, on the 9th January, was taken up in Committee of tSie
Whole ou the State of the Union, on the lOth February, and its objects
and principles explained by Mr. Tod. The duties proposed were to be
laid upon two distinct classes of articles, one embracing silks, linens,
cutlery, spices, and others of iese importance, which were by no means
necessaries, and did not interfere with any home production or manufac-
ture for which the country was prepared. Most of these were charged
with the rates recommended by the Secretary of the Treasury, and chiefly
for revenue, and to, supply the deficiency oi'casioned by cheeking the
excessive importation of other articles. But the important duties in the
bill were for the purpose of protection, and included those upon iron,
hemp, lead, glass, wool, and woolen goods.
As to the details of the bill, it was not proposed to change the duty
on cottons, except that the minimnm valuation was raised from twenty-
five to thirty-five cents the square yard, in order to protect fabrics two or
three grades finer than was nowdone. The protection was already effectual
on the three lowest grades of cotton, which would never be imported.
On cotton bagging, a specific fluty of six cents a square yard was pro-
posed, intended to be protective and prohibitory, for the benefit of
Kentucky and the Western States, which consumed large amounts of
cotton already protected by three cents a pound. This duty was
strongly resisted by the members from the cotton states, who regarded it
as a tax of over $200,000 per annum upon the cotton growers, who used
some four million yards annually, for the benefit of a few hundred work-
men in Kentucky. The duty was consequently reduced to three and
three-quarter cents a yard. Upon all manufactures of wool, a duty of
thirty per centum ad valorem, and, after 30th June, 1825, thirty-three
and one third per cent., with minimum valuations of forty and eighty
cents respectively, npon milled and unmilled goods, excepting blankets
and stuff goods. The rate was, however, reduced to twenty-five cents
per square yard, on goods costing less than thirty-three and one third
cents per square yard, and after June 30th, ia25, thirty-three and one
third per cent, on those costing more than that.
The encouragement of wool growing being an object of the bill, that
article was charged with twenty-five per cent, ad valorem when costing
over ten cents a pound, to be raised to thirty, forty, and fifty per cent.,
which was to bo the permanent rate after June, 1821. These rates were
reduced to twenty, twenty-five, and thirty per cent., which last was to
,y Google
292 clay's, WEBSTER'S, AND BUOHAHAN'S VIEWS. [1824
he the dttty, after June, 1836, upon ajl wool costing over ten cents a
pound at the place whence imported, aJid fifteen per cent, on wool costing
lees than ten cents. On Leghorn, straw, and chip or grass hats and
bonnets, and braid or plat, fifty per cent. On hammered iron, $1.12
per one hundred and twelve pounds, reduced to ninety cents or eighteen
dollars per ton, rolled iron being left as before. On window glass, from
three to four dollars per hundred feet, according to size, and on block
glass bottles, from two to three dollars per gross ; on hemp two cents a
ponnd, redaeed to thirty-five dollars per ton, ad valorem ; on pig lead
the duty was raised from one to two cents a pound, and on red and
white lead from three to four cents; on ahm, the duty was increased
from one to two dollars and fifly cents a hundredweight ; on copperas,
from one to two dollars ; on oil vitriol and refined ^nlphate, the duty was
changed from seven and a half per cent to three cents a pound ; Epsom
salts three cents, Glaubers salts two cents a pound. The increase of
duties on these and other chemicals, was followed by a remarkable re-
duction of the prico, within a few years, and by the firm establishment
of the manufacture of most of thera.
The l)ill was the subject of a protracted debate, and received the able
anppiirt of Mr. Clay, Speaker of the House, who, on the .^Ist March, in
reply to Mr. Barbonr, of Virginia, and other opponents, spoke between
four and five hours, and on the following day concluded a brilliant and
elaborate argument in favor of protection. He described the prostrate
condition of every branch of domestic indnstry, and the snffering of
every class of the community, tracing the canses in the foreign policy
of the Government. He enunciated his belief that the true remedy was to
be found m the abandonment of that policy and the adoption of "a
genuine American Sj--tem" of cncoungement to domestic industry, m
imitation of the prevailing policy of othei nations, nhich had always
promoted then pioaperity and doprpssed our own Mr 15nchanin, of
Pennsylvania, spoke on the same side, chiefly in refeience to the ship-
ping, tonnage, and iron interests Their views weie ablj combated by
Mr. Webstei, who lepresented the commercial and 'ihipping interests,
and opposed high duties on hemp ind non and some othei provisions
of the bill Ho quite dissented from the Speaker's opinion, as to the
general condition of the countiy, which he consideied one of extiior-
dinary prospenty, with the exception of diminished prues and profits,
and some pecuniary embarrassments, in the payment of debts contracted
when prices were Ingli, attributable to other causes than a diminution
of exports Measis Randolph, of Tiiginia, McDuffie, Tucker, and
Hamilton, of South Carolina, and others fiom the cotton state?,
denounced the whole svstcm ot proteition, and argued that foieigu
,y Google
1834] TOKNAOE DUTIES THE FKANKLIN INSTITUTE.
233
mSions would uo longer take tlieir supplies of ootlon it we did not t.lie
tli.it manufactures. It was also opposed bj Mr. Foote, of Conneotleut,
aud others, and well defended bj Mr. Holcombe, of Ke» Jersey,
Mallory, of Counectiout, and othcra who spoke on the same side. The
Committee of Agriculture reported in favor of the bill, which, with some
amendments, passed the House on the 16th April, by a vote of one
hundred and seven to one hundred and two. Having been considerably
modiiled in the Senate, the House, after a Commlllce of Conference,
rather than lose the bill altogether, concurred in most of the amend-
ments and reductions, and it Jnally passed on 1 9th May, by a vote of one
hundred and twenty-five to sisty-six, and was approved on the 22d.
An act was also approved, January Jth, suspending the discriminating
duties of tonnage and import, so far as they related to the vessels, pro-
duce, or manufactures of the Netherlands, Prussia, Hanseatie cities,
Norway, Sardinia, and Russia, so long as United States vessels were
exempt from like discriminatloBS in their ports ; and authorizing the
President to proclaim reciprocal exemption from such duties, on evidence
that any foreign nation had abolished its discriminating duties on goods
and vessels of the United States.
An act of May 26, allowed to vessels in the cod fishery, lost or
wrecked on their return to the United States, the same bounty as If they
had returned to port.
The Franklin Institute, of Pennsylvania, incorporated March 30th
commeneed, on 28tb April, the first course of instruetiou in meehanicai
science in the United States, by a lecture delivered at the Philadelphia
Academy, on north Fourth street. The first course was attended by
twenty-seven Junior students, the second by one liundred and twenty-six,
and the third by one hundred and eighty. On the 2d Jane, a letter
from the Secretary was read to the members of the London Mechanicsi
Institute, announeing its formation, with objects kindred to those of tho
London Institution. Soon after Its formation, "a regular system of
lectures was adopted, four professorships created, namely, of Natural
Philosophy, Chemistry and Mineralogy, Architecture and Mechanics.
One evening in each week was set apart for lectures on miseellaneous
subjects. A library, a mineralogical eoUeetlon, a museum, and a cabinet
of models were commeneed. An exhibition of manufactures was held,
at which premiums were awarded." The first annual exhihitlon of the
products of domestic industry, took place on the 18th and two following
days In October, when gold, silver, and bronze medals were adjudged
for the best articles, and proved serviceable by exciting competition.
The Eensselaer Institute was this year established and endowed at
Troy, New York, by Hon. Stephen Tan Benssdaer, for the Instrnetion
i.Google
2<14 PIAllTJG S'HIOT.. — PKIfT TVOPT'^ — FL V-JNELS. [1824
of \r\ tb; men in tie apjlicaton of inithematical science to citiI
engmeeting and m natural science
In July a school waa established at Baltimore for the instructioa of
pool g rls in the vauoas brinches of iti iw plaiting, from the simple
pKit to the finished bonnet It was <!npporteil by contributions from &
few individuals anl was known a? the Baltimore Plaiting School, but
was not self Bustammg it the end of the first yeir
The amount of manufacturing capital authorized and incorporated by
state laws, since 1820, was, in New Hampsliire, ^,830,000 ; iu Massa-
cliiisetta, $6,840,000; in Connecticnt, $1,300,000; and in Wew York,
$797,000, which, added to the amount authorized and employed in seven
states, in 1820, made a total of $70,656,500.'
The New Jersey Bleaching, Printing, and Dyeing Company, at Eelle-
Tille, nine miles from New York, was incorporated in December, with a
capital of $150,000, and erected one of the largest and most complete
manafflcfuring edifices in the United States. The printed calicoes ranked
with those of the Tannton and Chelmsford factories. Within ten yeai-s
the calico print works of Andrew Gray, the silk printing establishment
of Duncan & Cunningliom, a brass rolling mill and button factory, two
copper foundries and rolling mills, a britannia metal factory, lamp
factory, and large grist mill, in the place, produced articles valneci at
two millions of dollars per annum.
The Merrimao Manufacturing Company was at this time making
about twenty-five hundred yards of printed cottons daily. Calicoes
were this year first made in the Warren factory, at Baltimore.
Flannel was woven bj water power, in Massachusetts, and specimens
exhibited at the fair, in Brighton, in November, gave general satisfaction.
Within forty miles of Boston, about fifteen thousand pieces of flannel,
of forty-six yards each, were made in the last year, and new mills were
erecting, which, with the enlargement of old ones, would make thirty
thousand pieces this year. There were factories of the same article in
New York and Connecticnt.
Phiiadelpbia had, at this date, upward of thirty cotton mills, some of
them qnite extensive. They averaged fourteen hundred spindles each,
and together employed nearly five thousand looms and three thousand
persons. Tliere were iu the city fifteen breweries, and umbrellas were
manufactured there to the value of $400,000 annually.
In the borough of Beading, Pennsyli-ania, about si.x thoasand ponnd(i
of wool were wrought up into fifteen thousand pair of fine wool hats,
giving employment to five liunilrBd persons.
(11 Bcportof g^ororarjnf Stateinilie.lionce toEcaolutiimofSfnateof M.ircL 1. 152,'!.
,y Google
1824J CAKAIS NEWSPAPERS — BOOK TaADE SALES. 395
0(1 tlio 2Hli of Jannnry, a cliarter was granted by the State of
Virginia to the Chesapeake and Ohio CaDal Company— subject to the
approval of Congress, and of the States of Maryland and Pennsylvania,
which was obtained the nest year— for the construction of a canal from
tide water above Georgetown, D, C, on the Potomac, to Pittsbarg, a
distance of three hundred and forty-one miles. The capital stock was
sis millions of dollars, with power to augment it, which it became neces-
sary to do.
The Legislature of New Jersey also, on the Slsfc December, granted
acts of incorporation to companies authorized to construct the Delaware
and Earitan canal, and the Morris canal, the former suggested in Mr.
Gallatin's Eeport, in 1808, and the latter sun-eyed and leveled, in con-
formity with an act of the state, passed in November, 1822. The last
of these important works of internal improvement opened up communi-
cation between the Delaware river at PhilHpsburg, opposite Easton, and
the Passaic at Newark, over mountains, in the district of Warren,
Morris, and Esses counties, nine hundred feet above sea-Ievel, which
were overcome by locks and inclined planes. It gave access to the
anthracite mines of Pennsylvania, and a cheap outlet for the iron of that
region, which at one time contained eighty-one forges and twelve
furnanes, of whie!i thirty of the former and nine of the latter had, at this
time, gone to decay, in part from the scarcity of fuel and the increasing
cost of transportation.
The steamboat "Erie Canal" arrived in December, at Genesee
Landing, having passed through the feeder at Rochester. She was the
Srst boat upon that river, and was supposed to have shown the practi-
cability of navigating canals by steam, without injuring them.
Nine daily newspaper offices in New York city were estimated to
issue 85,600 newspapers every week, exclusive of eight or ten weekly
papers, of which the circulation was unknown. An official return to the
Postmaster General, stated the whole number of newspapers pub-
lished in the United States at one hoiidred and ten, of which eighteen
were issued in Philadelphia, eleven of them being dailies.
The first Book Trade Sale in Philadelphia was held this year, according
to the suggestion and plan of Mr. Henry C. Carey. The auctioneer
was Moses Thomas, by whom these sales are still conducted semi-
annually, under the name of Moses Thomas & Sons, having, during a
part of the intermediate time, been under the management of Cowper-
thwait & Lord, Lord & Carlisle, and George W. Lord & Son. The city
contained, at this date, fifty-five printing offices, with one hundred and
twelve presses, supporting about one hundred and fifty workmen.
Land and water power were this year purchased, in Greene county,
,y Google
296 PaATT'S TAMMERIES ALBANY BKEWERIES. [1824
New York, by Zadoc Pratt, who established at tbe village, since called
Prattsville, on Schobaric creek, a mammoth tannery, fer the maaafac-
tave of hem lock -tanned leather— tlio forest, on either hand, to the very
tops of the monntains, being covered with a dense growth of hemlock,
adapted to his purpose. His tannery was five hundred feet long, con-
taining over three hundred vats, requiring a consumption aunually of
fifteen hundred cords of wood, and six thousand cords of hemlock bark
in tbemanufactnre of six thousand sides of sole leather, which he annually
Bent to ma k t m th m'll' 'd 'n tw ty y H
employed a p tal f $250 000 t sa d w th t gl bt g t d
lawsait, or tl 1 f d 11 bad d bt b g gl h d
stolen. T h t p d p 11 p nt th II g f P tt 11
owes its gr tl
principal 1 tl ;
liemlock-ta i 1 I
ville tanne y
An imp m t
the next, by M
Vermont, by tl
bari, so e t t
hogshead c t ^
erection of t w k f th m f tm f th t 1 T ~
about this t bf,tbp Idwth 1 tdfbgj
as formerly.
The sugar crop of Louisiana was estimated at forty thousand hogsheads.
The manufacture of Isinglass, from the swords of bake fish, for the
use of cotton manufacturers, was commenced at Gloucester (now Rock-
port), on Cape Cod, in Essex county, Massachusetts, which a few years
later was the only place iu the United States where it was made.
In Albany, New York, were five ostensive breweries; that of Fiddler
& Taylor, supposed to be the largest in the United States, was capable
of manufacturing two hundred and fifty barrels of beer in a day.
The Company owning the large manufacturing establishment called
Ith
C tkll
s
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asth
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it Xh fl t
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(1) This eminent miiiinfacfaror, who pro-
CoBgress, to whioli he was elected in 1836,
bably tunned mora sole lenther than any
ha proposed many important measures,
nmn in tlia world, was himsslf the son of a
among which ware the introduction, through
tanner, and roaa from the hnrablo position
the United Stntes conanls and national res.
of a joarDeymoo, by tbs foree of his own
sals, of foreign aeeda and plants for general
ecergj and obaraoter, tn places of lonor,
diatribution by the Patent Office, and the
influence, and puUio tntst. He was not less
publication and engraving of all the im-
portaut patented inTootions for circulation
and public usefulness than for peraoveranoe,
throughout tbs connlry, and the eBlnbliah-
iotdligciioc, and eucocss in business, lu
mentuf aliureauof Slikti^tii;a.
i.Google
leiij RAMAPO MIIJ,8~Q1ENHAM — ^DUDLEY — WINE. £9T
Ilamapo diIUs, in Rockland county, New York, was incorporated this
year, with a capital of |400,000. The Company owned four thousaad
acres of land, and the village contained, in 1833, rolling and slitting
mills, cut nail factory, large cotton mill, grist and saw mills, etc., the
first of which had been many years in operation.
The Glenham Woolen Manufacturing Company, composed of Messrs.
P. H. Schenck, G. E. and 8. S. Howland, John Jacob Astor, Philip
Howe, and others, was incorporated in the State of New York. The
factory was erected, during the last year, by Mr. Schenck, upon the
Matteawan, or Pishkili creek, in Dutchess connty, two miles above the
extensive Matteawan Cotton Factory of the Messrs. Schenck and others,
built ia 1814. It mannfaetared superfine blue and black broadcloths,
bat sunk considerable money during the nesfc three years. The
average value of its manufactures, during twenty years, was $100,000.
The Messrs. Schenck were also interested in an extensive floor mill,
foundry, and machine shop at this place.
The Tufts Manufacturing Company, at Dudley, and the Ware Manu-
facturing Company, at Ware, Massachusetts, were incorporated, and
commenced operations about this time. The Boston and Ipswich Lace
Factory was iliis year incorporated, with a capital of about $150,000,
for the manufacture of lace by machinery, the business having been car-
ried on there by hand for nearly half a century.
Patents.— Gilbert Brewster, Norwich, Conn., Feb. 21, patented an
improvement in the wool spinning wheel, and March 13, received three
patents, viz. : for a spinning machine and method of receiving rolls from
the machine; for an improvement on spinning wool, and for a spindle for
throstle spinning. These, and later improvements in cotton and wool
spinning machines, by Mr. Brewster, came into quite extensive nse, and a
few years later were manufactured by him to a large extent at Poughkeep-
Bie, N, Y. George Danforth, Morton, Mass., Sept. 2, counter twisting
spinning speeder. The Danforth throstle frame was an important im-
provement upon the ordinary throstle, which had superseded the water
frame. It dispensed with a flyer, and produced yarn less wiry and
more economically from certain kinds of goods, than the common thros-
tle. It was patented in England, about 1830, by John Hutchin, Esq.,
of Liverpool, and gave rise to numerous later inventions for the im-
provement of the original throstle.' Some fourteen or more patents
were this year granted for improvements in spinning wheels, and other
cotton and wool spinning machinery, Joseph P. Uossiter, Selina,
N. Y., March 3, improvement in making fine and coarse salt; and Peter
(1) Ures' Cutton Mauufflcturo.
i.Google
■WHITNEY'S DEATH — COTTON. [1324
Cooper, New York, Dee. 33, mode of maEufaeturing salt; StLHiuel
Brown, London, England, Marcli 2, gas engines, and Maximin Isnard,
New York, Dec. 11, improvement in gas engines; Jeremiah Dewe}-,
Chelsea, Tt., April 3, improvement in the spring lancet, and Thomas
R. Williams, Newport, E. L, July 16, retreating spring lancet; John
R. Averill, Manchester, N. Y., May 2T, east iron steam boilera. Nu-
merous improvements in the steam engine and boiler were patented thia
year. John Stevens, Hoboken, N. J., June 8 and Get. S3, improve-
ments in railways; the same, June 8, rendering rapids and shallow rivers
navigable; John Brown, Providence, E. I., June 38, improvement in
making razors; Henry and Ezra Hoopes, Wilmington, Del., July 2G,
improvement in revolving hay rakes ; Moses Pennoek, Kennett Square,
Pa., Nov. 23, improvement in revolving horse hay rakes ; John A. Wads-
woilb, Newport, R. I., July 3, horse scythe; David Henderson, Jersey
City, N. J., Sept. 17, improvement in lithography.
On the 3i3 of January of this year, Eli Whitney, the inventor of
the saw gin, and one of the most eminent mechanics of his age, died,
IftOi ^^ *''^ ^^^ "^ fifty-nine. He had lived to see the cotton crop of
lOatf ^-^^ United States increased, from about five millions of pounds
to two hundred and fifteen millions, and the exports of the article aug-
mented from less than half a million pounds to one hundred and forty-
two and a quarter millions of pounds, the result in no small degree of
the benefits conferred npon the planter by his invention.
In the early part of this year considerable speculation was indulged
in the exportation of cotton, which, during the year, reached the large
amount of 563,129 bales, 116,500,000 pounds, valued at $36,846,649,
being more than thirty-two millions of pounds in excess of the total im-
portations from all countries into Great Britain. The average price was
in consequence advanced in the United States from fifteen in the last year
to twenty-one cents in the present, the extreme prices of Uplands in
Charieston being thirteen and a half to thirty-two cents per pound.
No th withstanding an advance in the price in England, from about eight
anil a half to eleven and a half pence, the excessive speculation in-
volved many shippers in ultimate loss, the average price having declined
to eleven cents in the United States, and to nine and a half pence in
England during the next year. The amount grown this year in the
United States was two hundred and fifty-five millions of pounds. Some
apprehension was felt at the increased importation of Egyptian cotton
in England, which, commencing in 1823 with 5,623 bales, reached this
year to 111,023 bales, but immediately fell off again as rapidly.
The caterpillar or cotton moth, which had only occasionally appeared
i.Google
COTTON — HUDSON — SACO — LOWELL. 299
siQce 180i, renewed its visits in South Carolina with devastating effects,
and daring seyoral snbsequent years contictted witli some intermission to
lay waste the cotton fields.
The number of spindles employee! ia cotton factories in the United
States, at this time, was 800,000, and the domestic consumption of raw
cotton was about 100,000 bales.
Several important improvements were made in cotton machinery in
England this year, among which the most importaEt were the male
spinucr, patented by Mr. Roberts, of Manchester, M. Do Jong's self-
acting mule, and the tube frame, introdaced from America by J, C.
Dyer, who also took another patent for wire cards, and for other objects.
In and around Glasgow, within a circuit of two miles, steam engines of
eight hundred and ninety-three horse power were employed in spinning
cotton, and the number of factories in the neighborhood of Manchester
was one hundred and four ; at Preston, forty ; Stockport, forty-seven,
and Staley Bridge, twenty-live.
At Coiumbiaville, near Hudson City, N. T., were three cotton facto-
ries, employing two hundred and fifty persons. Two of them made about
340,000 yards of cotton shirtings yearly, worth thirteeu cents a yard,
and a new mill on the south side of the creek was calculated to produce
360,000 yards of a finer fabric, worth twenty-four cents a yard. The
city of Hudson was the third town in the state in regard to manufac-
tures, and in 1822 had eight factories, employing five hundred hands,
and working 36i,300 pounds of wool into 111.300 yards of cloth.
Cutts, or Factory island, at the Fails of the Saco river, in Maine,
was this year purchased by a company, principally from Boston, for the
purpose of erecting an extensive cotton factory. The whole cost to the
company was $110,000, to which was added $10,000, for a considerable
part of the privileges on the opposite side of the river, pnrchased at the
same time. During the next year a canal was cut from the head of the
falls to the mill site, and a factory erected two hundred and ten feet long
Oy forty-seven wide, seven stories high. It was tho largest factory ever
attempted in America, and was calculated to opei-ate twelve thousand
spind!es and three hundred looms. The machinery was completed in
1830, at a cost, of $200,000, but the whole establishment was the same
year burned to the ground, with a loss to the company of ail the stock.
Another company was formed, and the mill was rebuilt.
The Merrimac Manufacturing Company, at Lowell, whose mills, since
the death of Mr. Ezra Worthen, in the last year, were superintended by
Warren Colburn, and their print works by Allan Pollock, who was suc-
ceeded nest year by John D. Prince, of Manchester, England, increased
their capita] to $1,200,000, built three additional mills, and made tlieir
,y Google
300 HTTSFIELD BEOADOLOTHS— PHILADELTIIIA EXmEITION. [1825
first dividend of one hnndred dollars per share. A canal company was
organized by the stockholders, to which was transferred all the snrpla.^
water power, and the price for & mill power, with a suitable quantity of
land, and the privilege of drawing twenty-five cubic feet of water pei
second, on a fall of thirty feet, equal to about sistj horse power, was
fixed at $14,336, of which $5,000 was to remain, subject to an annual
rent of $300. The average price of its Prints, at this time, was 25.07
cents a yard. The first sale was made this year to the Hamilton Manu-
facturing Company, the second of the large corporators of Lowell, which
was chartered this year with a capital of $600,000, afterward increased
to $1,200,000. Mr, Samuel Batchelder, of New Ipswich, now Treasurer
of the York Manufacturing Company, at Saco, was appointed superin-
tendent, and under his skillful managemeat the power loom was first
applied to tlie wearing of twilled and fancy goods, with great success.
Cotton Drills, an American fabric, which soon became one of much value
in the export trade, were first made in this establishments The company
established print works in 1828, under Mr. William Spencer, who is
Btill the superintendent.
The Middlesex Mechanics' Association of Lowell was incorporated
this year, and now owns a hall, with a library of five thousand volumes,
a cabinet of natural history, and paintings of Washington, Webster
Kirk Boot, P. T. Jackson, Abbott Lawrence, N. Appleton, and John
A. Lowell.
The Pontoosuc Manufacturing Company, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts,
was chartered, and built a mill this year for the manufacture of all wool
and cotton warp broadcloths, and was long celebrated for the manufacture
of a superior quality of drab cloth for carriage linings, which was dis-
tinguished for its parity of color and beauty of finish. The first broad-
cloth power loom in Berkshire county was set up this year.
Agreeably to a proposition made at a meeting of manufacturers in Phil-
adelphia, during the last year, an exhibition of domestic manufactures was
held in Washington in February of this year, for which purpose Mr. Little,
superintendent of the Capitol, tendered the use of the Itotunda, Among
the articles exhibited were cloths from the factory of Mr. Wells, Steu-
benville, Ohio, at from three to twelve dollars a yard; blankets, much ad-
mired for substance and fleecy whiteness, at twelve to fifteen dollars per
pair, by Mr. E. Patterson, of the District of Columbia ; flue flannels by Mr.
Van Croft, on the Brandywine ; specimens of flannel and grass cloth
from New Harmony, Ind. ; excellent lace bobbinet and thread from
Dean, Walker & Co., Medway, Mass.; coach bindings by Catharine
Gattie, of Baltimore ; improved hats by Mr. Hamelin, of Baltimore,
made of Russia cotton duck, and varnished, which were much approved
,y Google
1825] MANUFACTURES OF riTISBVEO. 301
of by tlie Department for Seamen ; macliine cards hj Mr. McCoy, of Bal-
timore ; improved saddles by Mr. Prettyman, of Alexandria; oil cloth
by Mr. Macanley, of Philadelphia, in great variety of patterns, and some
of the finest quality for taste and design, and beauty of eseeution ; stair
carpeta by Mr. Wilson, of Baltimore ; shovels and spades by Mr. Harvie,
of iUchmond, Ta., of the finest workmanship and material, as were also
the axe heads from Baltimore, by Mr. Kinaey.
Pittsburg contained at this time seven steam rolling mills in active
operation, making bar and sheet iron, nails, etc., and one of them in
addition axes, scythes, sickles, shovels, etc. There were also eight air
foundries and a cupola furnace, making stoves, grates, hollow ware, sad
irons, shafts and wheels for steam machinery, common wagon boxes,
plongh castings, and other articles, from a quarter ponnd weight to
four tons. McClung's "Pittsburg foundry" had a mill for boring cylin-
ders, turning rolls and shafts, grinding sad irons, etc. Metal castings
averaged from sixty-five to seventy dollars per ton, There were also
six steam engine factories, some of which built six engines during the
season, and Mark Staekhouso constructed one of one hundred horse
power for the Phojuix Iron Works, near Philadelphia. Eichbaum'a
wire factory had heeu recently put in operation again, with an engine
of ten horse power. There were five blast furnaces north of the Alle-
gheny river, snpplying raetal to Pittsbtirg, viz. ; two in Butler connty,
one in Armstrong, one in Venango, and OQe in Crawford, besides seve-
ral in Fayette, Westmoreland and Beaver conntica, and a new one just
erected by J. W. Biddle, on a large scale, on the Kiskimenitas, in Arm-
strong county. There were nine paper mills in Western Pennsylvania,
four of them owned in Pittsburg, besides two in Jefferson county, Ohio;
six of them contained two vats each, and one three vats, with water
power. Three others were worked by steam, one having three vats and
a twenty horse power engine, the others four and six vats, respectively,
with engines of thirty hoise powei The product of all the mills was
estimated at $150,000, and the rags consumed, at $58,000 per annnm.
Seven glass works, including that established by Mr. Gallatin, at Ge-
neva, made 21,000 boxes of glas« innnally, valued at $135,000, in addi-
tion to 130,000 woith of white and flint glass, and about $100,000
worth of the product was probably exported. Pittsburg glass under-
sold the imported in Eastern cities, and received the premium of the
Franklin Institute in the last year, over nnmerons specimens. Within the
last three years twenty-one steamboats, whose tonnage was 3,120 tons,
were built at or near Pittsburg, and one was building at Brownsville to
draw only two and a half or three feet of water, with her engine in.
At Walker's boat yard, at Elizabethtown, a keel boat was launched
,y Google
-BUFFAtO — WOKCESTER. [IS25
every month dnving the past year, worth, on an average, $215 ea<;h.'
The manufactures of Pittsburg, during this year, were estimated at
$2,500,000, In consequence of its profitable manufactures, Pittsburg
esperiencod little of the pecuniary distresa which this year visited many
portions of the country.
The Harmony Society, under Mr. George Kapp, having rctnmed to
Pennsylvania from Indiana, commenced operations at Economy, eight-
een miles below Pittsburg, in Beaver county, where they built a large
town — an elegant church, a large cotton and woolen factory, store,
tavern, large steam mill, a brewery, distillery, tanyard, and other work-
shops. Their factories and workshops were warmed by means of pipes
connected with the steam engine, and in other respects the Society were
ready to adopt the latest improvements. They purchased annually from
sixty to seventy thousand dollars' worth of wool, and twenty to thirty
thousand dollars' worth of other articles for raannfacture and consumption,
and three years after commenced the culture and manufacture of silk.
The completion of the Erie canal opening internal communication
between the wat f I ke Erie, at Buffalo, and the Atlantic Ocean,
was celeb ated o th 26th October, at Albany, Cannon were fired
along the I ! I ac ad a flotilla of boats conveyed Governor Clinton
and the Com a ■ the route to New York, where the first boat
ari'ived, N nb 4tl Its cost was about eight milhons of dollars.
The lieen d t nn e f all the lakes above the Falls of Miagara, con-
sisted of th e t am of 112 tons, and fifty-four sailing craft of 1677
tons, making an f,^* of steam and saihng tonnage entering the
ports of Buft 1 f nly ,449. It was increased in the next five years
to 16,300 tons, or 113 per cent. In the United States nine hundred and
ninety-four vessels, including thirty-five steamers, were bailt in the year,
whose tonnage was 114,997.
The Buffalo Steam Engine Works, or farnaee, was incorporated for
the manufacture of steam engines, mill gear, and other castings.
A small cupola furnace, the first in the city, and said also to have
been the first in the state, was erected by Mr. William A. Wheeler, at
Worcester, Massachusetts, where the manufacture of tools and ma-
chinery has since become extensive. His principal business was ma-
chine castings, and ten years after he is said to have made the first hot
air furnaces, for warming houses, in New England.'
(1) Portfolio for September, 1825
(2) Tha first henting of housaa 1 j fl
■om antliraoila fnmacea, is Etatefl 1 y T
( 1 2 P 69),
li in ,ra 1
1 t presan
to have bcon mildo, as far aa
bis own familj, during the
issor Walter It. Johnson, In hia Am n
lition of Knapp'a Chomieal Ted 1 fe
h tttedbymeni
u nrted hy
,B of a furDBca in tho collar,
an ait ebambor of brick-
i.Google
1825] PAPER — ANTHRACITE— SILK. 303
Tlie manufacture of paper, by the Pourdrinier machinerj, commeuced
about, this time at Springfield, Massachusetts. Oue of lie mills of
J. & J. Gilpin, in Delaware, where machinery was first employed in thip
country, was tliis year destroyed by fire. The paper manufactory of
Messrs. D. & J. Ames, at Springfield, was said to be the most extensive
at this time in tlie "United States, employing twelve engines, and more
tlian one hundred females, besides the usual number of male hands.
A Geological reconnoisance of the State of North Carolina, made
during the last year by Professor Olmsted, directed public attention to
the gold-bearing region of the state, which he estimated to embrace an
area of over one thousand acres. All the gold obtained in the state up
to this time was from washings, at three principal localities. But gold
having about this time been found in place by M. Barringer, of Mont-
gomery county, attention was thenceforward directed from the " deposit
mines" to the "vein mines." The first native gold from Anson county
was this year coined at the mint, and valuable quartz veins were soon
after found in Mechlenber^ county.^
Anthracite coal was this year sent to market from the Lehigh mines
in Pennsylvania, to the amount of 28,39S tons, and 6,500 tons were
sent aiso from the ScUuylkill region, being the result of the first mining
operations in the latter place. The whole quantity from both sectiona
was 35,355 tons in excess of the last year's product.
The first successful attempt to generate steam, with anthracite fuel,
was made this year at the Ph^nixvilJe Iron works, by Messrs. Jonah and
G. Thompson, of Philadelphia, who completed in January a steam en-
gine for their Nail works on French creek, in which anthracite was
employed.
Sewing silk and raw silk were produced this year in Windham county,
Connecticut, to the value of $54,000, being double the qaantity pro-
duced by the county in 1810. Sewing silk formed a part of the circu-
lating medium, and was readily exchanged at the stores for other arti-
cles, the buyer giving the balance in silver when the account was in
favor of the seller. The onlymachines used were the common domestic
small and large wheels. Three fourths of the families in Mansfield
were engaged in raising silk, making annually from five to ten, twenty,
and fifty pounds in a family, and some as much as one hnudred pounds in
a season. It was thought that three or four tons were made annually
work, whauce tho gasoona products of the eontribated to the general use of anthraclto
oombuation wore cirrbd through the build- fnel iti the Allantja states.
iiig, piBBlng through ojlindrwd drums on (1) IVhito^j's MelnlUo -Woaltli of the
(lie first nnd third floors, iinS out at tlie lop. United Statoa,
This mode of irarmiug buildings doubtlesa
,y Google
oUi EE80LUTIONS— PATENTS— PIS MAOHIME. [1825
ID the town and ricinity. The increased attention given to the business
in tliat place directed interest in other parts of the country to the
enbject, and Congress, on the 29th December, adopted the following
resolutions, introduced by Mr. Miner, of Pennsylvania.
''Besolved, That the Committee on Agriculture be instructed to in
quire whether the cultivation of the mulbeiTy tree, and the breeding of
silk worms for the purpose of prodocing silk, be a subject worthy of
legislative attention ; and should they think it to be so, that they obtain
such information as may be ia their power respecting the kind of mul-
berry tree moat preferred, the best soil, climate and mode of cultivation,
the probable value of the culture, taking into view the capital employed,
the labor and the product, together with such facts and opinions as
they may think useful and proper.
"Hesolved, That the same Committee inquire whether any legislative
provisions are necessaiy to promote the production of silk."
The report was made in May following.
Patents.— E. Daggett, and T. Kensett, New York, Jan. 19, for
preserving animal substances ; T. Rowell, Hartford, Yt., Feb. 10, point-
ing, splitting, and waxing wooden pegs ; S. H. Weed, Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., Feb. 28, making brushes and brooms of grasses; Lemuel W.
Wright, Manchester, England, March 12, improvement in machine for
making pins. This machine for making solid-headed pins was patented
in England, in May, 1824, by Mr. Wright, a native of New Hampshire,
who, in 1836, had a manufactory in operation at Lambeth, which
proved ruinous to himself and partner. The same machinery was set
up in 1832 or '33, at Stroud, in Gloucestershire, by his former partner,
and the first solid-headed pins in the English market were made with it.
It was however defective in forming the point.' Isaac Macauley, Phil-
adelphia, April 4, improvement in making oil cloth— Mr. Maeanley
had carried on the manufacture for many years in Philadelphia, and was
probably the first in this country— Joseph B. Nones, Philadelphia,
April 28, making yellow and buff nankeen ; Joseph Grant, Providence,
April 28, setting up hat bodies (first patented, 1821). A large steam
factoryfor making hat bodies, under this patent, was carried on ia Pitts-
borg in 1837, by D. P. IngersoU. John Giles, Guilford, Vt., April 11,
improvement in Desmond's mode of obtaining tannin ; Daniel Stans-
bury, BelleviJle, N. J., April 15, furnaces for fossil coal; Oliver Wood-
ruff, New York, Nov, 1, and John L. Sullivan, New York, Nov. 26,
furnaces for anthracite ; Eli Terry, Plymouth, Conn., May 18 and Sept.'
9, wooden- wheeled thirty-hour clocks; Josiah Durden, Washington,
Ala., June 35, water power cotton press ; Lewis Lyssavd, Halifax, N. C,
(1) Nuntan's London Journal, vol. B. Trc's JDiotioniirT,
,y Google
1825] STEAM GUNS ERANKXIJi AKD MAUYtAiSD IXSTIIUTES. 305
Sept. 28, machine for packing cotton ; J. N. Gordon, Plymouth, N. C,
Oct. 8, improvement in machine for pressing cotton ; J. P. Bakewell,
Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 9, improvement in making glass furniture knobs.
Considerable interest was abont this time excited in Europe by the
experiments of Jacoli Perkins, with steam artillery, exhibited for seve-
ral years at the Adelaide Gallery, in London. In his exhibitions before
the Duke of Wellington and eminent engineers, iron targets were shat-
tered to atoms at thirty-five yards, and afterward the balls were shot
through eleven one-inch planks of the hardest deal, placed in a line at a
distance from each other, and balls were discharged at the rate of one thou-
sand per minute.' Experiments were also made at Greenwich, before
Prince Polignac and Frenck engineers, but the engineers of both nations
regarded the steam gun as practically useless, althougk displaying ex-
traordinary ingenuity in the inventor.
With the commencement of this year, the Franklin Institute, in Phila-
delphia, which aiready numbered about one thousand members, issued
1R5fi ^^^ ^^^ number of the Franklin Jonrnal, now the oldest periodi-
cal in the United States devoted to the mechanical and mannfac-
taving arts, and containing for many years the only record of American
Patents as they were issued. It was published in monthly numbers at
five dollars a year, and has continued to the present time, a valuable and
leading repository of original and selected papers, theoretical and practi-
cal, in mechanics and the useful arts, being held in deserved esteem as well
in foreign countries as in the United States. The several series of the
work up to the close of 1860, comprise about seventy volumes of well
digested matter relating to the progress of mechanical science in Europe
and America,
The Maryland Institute, formed during the last year at Baltimore,
through the exertions of J. H. B, Latrobe and others, for the benefit
of the mechanical and laboring classes, was incorporated in the course
of the present year, by the Legislature of Maryland. It continued in
successful operation until 1835, when the library, apparatus, and other
property, were destroyed by the burning of the Athenasura building, and
the Society disbanded. In 1848 the new society was organized, and the
present Institute was incorporated in 1850.
On the 3d March, the New England Society, for the Promotion of
(1) "PivtituDdrea ballsper minute, aHot,
Our foe5 in fight must kick the boam j
Let Perkins only boii his pot,
And be'll destroj tbem all by stenm.""
" Steam, a Poem," .h ike London Mirror, Fclruanj. l&2i.
,y Google
S06 NEW ENGLAND AND PEyKSTI.VAlSIA SOCIBTIES— SALT, [182(j
Manafactnres and t!ie Mechanic Arts, organizeii in llie last year, by
citi!;eiis of Boston, who were desirous to promote Amerieau Industry
and talent wherever found, received a charter from the Genera! Assembly
of Massachusetts. It was empowered to hold public exhibitions of the
products of American industry, and to award premiums for new and
aseful inventions, and for the best specimens of the skill and ingenuity
of manufactnrers and mechanics. All goods sold under its direction nt
the regular semi-annual sales, which were held in the Spring and Fall,
were, by the act of incorporation, exempted from the auction duty, and
an ordinance of the City Council granted the use of the halls over the
Faneuil Hall Market, for the Society's fairs, free of expense. The first
public sale was commenced on 12th September, and the amount received
from the' first five sales was nearly two millions of dollars. An exhibi-
tion was also held in October of this year, when fifteeo medals were
awarded, and twenty the nest. A standing committee awarded pre-
miums for new inventions, machinery, and esperiments in chemistry and
natural philosophy, tending to advance improvements in the arts. The
common premium was an elegant silver medal, struck from highly
finished dies, made by Mr. Qobrecht, an eminent artist of Philadelphia.
The payment of two dollars admitted to aDnnal, and twenty-fire dollars
to life memberahip. The Society exerted a favorable influence upon the
progress of useful arts in their vicinity.'
In December, an association called the " Pennsylvania Society, for the
Promotion of Manufactures and the Mechanic Arts, was formed at
Philadelphia," a principal object being the spread of information on the
subject of legislative protection.
A paper read before the Pennsylvania Society for the Promotion of
Internal Improvement, Jaiiuary 10th, stated that there were thirty-five
salt works upon the Connemaugh and Kiskiminetas, three upon the
Alleghany, and many othera in course of preparation upon these waters,
one of them expected to yield fifteen hundred bushels daily. The wells
were sunk from four to five hundred feet deep. The increase of the
manufacture had been rapid beyond example, and improved transporta-
tion would enable the manufacturers to supply the middle and eastern
parts of the state, with salt cheaper than the foreign. A steady market,
it was believed, would insure '750,000 bushels per annum, or with the
new well 1,200,000 bushels. The quality of the Pennsylvania salt was
excellent, and daily improving. Its price was twenty to twenty-fivo
cents per bnshel at the works, and on the river had been sold as low as
twelve and-a-half cents. Its price in the middle counties was one dollar
(1) Bowen's Picluto of Boston, p. 60.
,y Google
iO-^tiJ SALT — POEL — SIIK, 307
to one dollar twnty-flve, and the average quantity used there was esti-
matcd at half a bushel for each person. If a canal were cut, the salt
makera would contract to dehver the best salt at forty cents a bushel in
Harnsljura;.
The Now York Salines produced, in the last year, only T36,633
bnshels, against 820,926 in 1825, but in the following year yielded
1,104,542.
The quantity of Salt made in the United States during the year, as
stated in documents laid before the United States Senate, relative to
the repeal of the duties, amounted to 4,113,000. The quantity im-
ported for the year, ending 30th September, was 4,564,130, whereof
30,680 bushels were reshipped. The duties collected on the importation
were $913,944. The price of Turks Island salt, in New York, was forty-
nine to fifty cents. It cost in the British West Indies about eleven
cents a bashel.
Huntingdon county, in Pennsylvania, contained at this time eight
fnrna^es and ten forges, one paper mill, three powder mills, one hemp
mill, one slitting and rolling mill, and one nail factory, in addition to
grist and eaw mills, distilleries, etc., etc. The rolling mill and nail
works belonged to the extensive Tyrone works of Gloninger, Anshultz
& Co.
Mr. Marcns Bull, on tlie 1th April, read before the American Philo-
sophical Society, a memoir on Fuel, containing the result of his careful
analysis and experiments upon the relative heating power, and other
properties of different species of American wooda Tlie practical value
of his researches, extending altogether to forty-six different species, has
been highly appreciated both in Europe and America,
In obedience to the resolution of the House of December 29th, Mr.
Van Rensselaer, from the Committee on Agriciiltnre, on the 2d May,
presented a report on the expediency of encouraging, by legislative
measures, the planting of mulberry trees, and the breeding of silk
worms for the production of Silk. The committee stated that mul-
berry trees were indigenous in the United States, and that silk could be
raised with facility. Measures had been recently adopted at Savannah
to renew the culture, which had been suspended by the Kevolution.
Considerable sewing silk was at this time made in Kentucky, and the
business was prosperous ia Connecticut. The total value of silks im-
ported in the five years, from 1831 to 1825, inclusive, was $35,156,494,
of which $1,968,011, was exported. The exportation of breadstuffs,
on the other hand. Lad fallen, off from $20,314,000, in 1811, to
$5,4n,99Y, in 1825, in which year the silk imported reached the value
of ten and a quarter miUions of dollars ! The committee submitted a
,y Google
308 MOItUS MULTICAULIS — COTTOK TAOTOEIES. [1826
resolution, wliich was adopted on the 1 1th, directing the Seevetary of the
Treasury to cause w be prepared, and laid before the House, early in the
next session, " a well digested manual on the growth and manafacture
of silk," The report of the Secretary, the late Richard Rush, was made
in February, 1828, and six thousand copies of the report and manual
were printed. This, with other measures soon after adopted by Congress
for circulating information on the subject, first directed public attention
strongly to the silk eultnre in the United States, which, for several years,
was prosecuted with an enthusiasm probably unequalled in our industrial
history, and which proved ultimately injurious to the object it was de-
signed to promote. In the coarse of this year. Dr. James Mease of
Philadelphia, to whom the preparation of the manual was intrusted by the
Secretary, imported from Genoa the first Piedmontese silk reel for winding
silk from the cocoons. It answered well, and the manufacture was com-
menced in Philadelphia by Mr. Tees and Mr. B. F. Pomeroy. During this
year or the following spring, the first specimen of the Morns Multicaulis, or
Mulberry of the Philippine Islands, was imported into the TTnited States
from Tarascon, near Marseilles, where it cost five francs, indicating the
high valne placed upon it even there. The plant— which had been first
iutroiluced into Prance in 1821 from Manilla, by Mr, Perottet, who gave
it its botanical name — was planted in the Liimean Botanic Gardea of
William Smith & Sons, commenced in 1T50, at Flushing, on Long
Island, by a descendant of Governor Thomas Prince of Plymouth. Its
qualities, however, first became known in 1829, through Mr. Gideon B.
Smith, of Baltimore, and Dr. Pascalis, of New York, who wrote on the
subject. Silk worms were this year reared in Massachusetts by Mr. Cobb,
who soon after called the attention of the Legislature to the subject, and
prepared, under its authority, a manual on the mulberry tree and silk
culture.
The number of distinct factory buildings devoted to the cotton manu-
facture in Sew England, was estimated at four hundred, averaging
seven hundred spindles each, or 280,000 in alh The new ones were very
large, the old ones quite small. Each spindle was estimated to consume
about one half pound of cotton daily, or 140 pounds per annum, which
for 380 work -days, gave about 39,200,000 pounds, or 98,000 bales, as the
annual consumption. About one third of the buildings employed power
looms, one third hand looms, and the others spun yarn and twist for the
Middle and Western States, where, as in Philadelphia, it was woven by
hand under contract or in families. The factories were distributed about
as follows: in Massachusetts, 135; Bhode Island, 110; Conneeticat,
eighty ; New Ilampshire, fifty ; Maine, fifteen ; Vermont, ten. The larger
manufacturing villages, where much capital was employed, were the follow-
i.Google
1826] COTTON MAOHINERY— GAUCO WOUKS— COHOES. 309
ing, ill the order of their size, viz. : Chelmsford (Lowell), Mass. ; Somera-
worth, Dover, and Danstable, H". H. ; Tawtacket, R. I. ; Fall Eiver,
Mass. ; Blackstoae, Mass. ; SlatersTiUe, E,. I. ; Tauuton, Mass. ; Paw-
tuxet, Kent couDty, R. I. ; Ware and Waltham, Mass. ; New Ipswich,
and New Market, N. H. ; Springfield aad Lancaster, Mass. ; Nonvich,
Conn. Large companies were forming at Saco, Maine ; and Havcrhil],
Mass. Calico printing was carried on at Chelmsford, Taunton, aad
Pawtucket, and they were preparing to print at Ware, Dunstable,
Somersworth, Dover, and elsewljcre. They already printed in New
England sixty thousand yards a week. One third of all the mills in New
England, including all the new ones, had their machinery from the best
models used in England. The new establish ment&,had several inventions
of their own, which saved one third the work in some processes, and
which were not yet used in England. The number of cotton factories in
all the other States, was estimated at 215, of the same average size,
which would make the total consumption of cotton, 150,000 bales per
annum.
The price of Cotton Machinery in the "United States, which in 1810
was three to four hundred times as much as in England, and in 1830
wag about double, amounted on an average at .this time to about fourteen
dollars per spindle, with the appu t fif y t ty p
more than in England. Spindles f th th tl k d w m d f
about eight dollars each, those of th m I k d f 1
The Hudson Calico Print Work t C 1 b II St kj t fl
miles above Hudson city, N, T., w t 1 1 h d th j U
scale, by Joseph and Benjamin Mar I II 0 j t ^ ra h m H
dye-house and bieachery, suiScient t p t
daily, were increased in 1828, by th p t
more printing machines, with steam dy
1836 the print works of Marshall C 1
hands, and printed on an average ght
5,400,000 yards annually, worth eight
nent madder colors. Their madder dy h
six by fifty feet, was probably the la g t
The Cohoes Company, of New Yoik, was incorporated m Maith, with
a capital of $350,000, afterwards increased to $500,000, to improve the
immense water-power at the Falls of the Mohawk, on the Erie canal,
eight miles north of Albany. They built a dam and canals, which made
the whole fall of" 103 feet available for mill sites five times at five dif-
ferent levels, which have since been occupied by extensive cotton, iron,
(1) Report of Socretarj Woodbury,
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i.Google
310 COTTON BAGOIMO — CINCINNATI FAOTOHIES — PRINTING OFFICES, [1826
and other manufactures, to the value novr of nearly two millions
annually.
In the returns for this year, the values of domestic cotton goods ex-
ported are given for the first time, and were as follows, viz. : white piece
goods, 1831,639; printed goods, $68,884; NanUeen, $8,903; twist,
yarn, etc., $11,135; all others, $32T,5T4; total, $1,138,125. Of the
white goods, the valne of $671,266 was sent to South America, Central
America and Mexico.
The manufactnre of Cotton Bagging was at this time attempted at
Nashville, Tenn., by a Mr. Allen, who received a contract from some gentle-
man of HuntsviOe, for twenty -five thousand yards. Mr. Rapp, of Economy,
Pennsylvania, also received a commission from Adams conniy, Missis-
sippi for twenty thousand yaids at twenty three cents a yard. Premiums
were offered in the same count) lor cotton cordage, cotton bogging,
blankets and uegi j Nothing The liige fictories of hempen bagging
at Lexmgton, Pina Dmville Shelbyville and other towns in Eentucky,
almost exclnsively employed negro operitives, few others being seen,
eiLept managers and machinists
The manuftctunng estalilish meats of Cincinnati, which had greatly
increa>'ed within two jeais^^embiaced five steam engine and finishing
shops, with 126 hands ; tour iron toundries, hfty-four hands ; eleven soap
and candle factories, forty-eight hands (making 451,000 pounds of soap
and 333,000 pounds of candles); ten tanner and currier shops, sixty-six
hands; thirteen cabinet furniture shops, 104 hands; four ropewallis,
tbirty-one hands ; two breweries, eighteen hands ; seven batters' shops,
ninety-five hands ; twenty-nine boot and shoe shops, 25T hands ; two
wall paper factories, nine hands ; six chair factories, thirty-eight hands;
one type foundry, twenty-three hands; one clock factory, eighteen
hands ; three plough factories, eleven hands, two woolen and cotton
factories, six hands ; two cab factories, six hands ; one chemical labora-
tory; one paper mill, forty hands; fourteen brickyards, 210 bands
(10,000,000 of bricks) ; one white lead factory, eight bands ; three
steamboat yards, two hundred hands ; nine printing establishments, and
numerous other factories and machine shops, whose aggregate manufac-
tures amounted to the value of $1,850,000.
The Printing-offices issued during the year, in addition to about
one hundred and seventy-live thousand newspapers, nearly two hundred
thousand copies of pamphlets, almanacs, school and other books, etc.
The whole number of steamboats that had been built there since 1816,
was fifty-seven, whose total tonnage was 10,047 tons, of which seventeen
boats, with a tonnage of 3,139, were constructed the present year.
There were, at this time, 143 steamboats, carrying about twenty-four
,y Google
1826] nasT railway — electric teleoraph — patent leather. 3H
thousand tous, ranning upon the western waters. Of these, forty-eight
were built at Cineiimati, thirty-five at Pittsburg, ten at New Albany,
seven at Marietta, five at Loaisville, four at New York, and tlie others
at different pJa^es on the Ohio, the engines for which were nearly all
furnished by Cincinnati and Pittsburg. The imports of Cincinnati for
the year, amounted to $3,538,590, and tlie exports to $1,063,560.'
The 'first Railroad constructed in America, was bnilt this year from
the granite quarries of Quincy, Mass., to tide water ou the Nepouset
river, a distance of three miles, having a single track and one inclined
plane 2T5 feet in length. Pine rails were laid and covered with oaken
rails, and these with iron plates three eighths of an inch thick. It was
used only for transportation of granite. On the 8th January following,
the Mauch Chunk railroad, nine miles in length, for the transportation
of coal frora the Summit mines to the landing on the Lehigh, was com-
menced and finished in about three months at a cost of $3,500 per
mile. Both roads went into operation iu 182T, and were the commence-
ment of railroad enterprises in the United States. The Hudson and
Mohawk railroad, between Albany and Schenectady, was also chartered
this year, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in February of the nest
year."
An Electric Telegraph was erected on Long Island, in New York, by
Mr. HaiTison Gray Dyer, who used frietional electricity and dyed marks
on chemically prepared paper, by means of electric sparks.
Patent or Japanned Leather, was about this time made in Newark,
N. J., by Mr. Seth Boyden, an ingenious citizen, who obtained letters
patent for several improvements iu manufactures. He erected a factory
for making Patent leather, which he was probably the first in the United
States to make. Mr. David Crockett commenced the business a few
years after.
The first manufacture of Palm Leaf Hats in this country, was com-
menced this year in Massachusetts. The material was imported from
Cuba and was made up chiefly by young girls. The manufacture in
1831, reached the number of two milfions, nearly one half of which were
made in "Worcester county. Thoy are still somewhat estensively made
in Shatesbury and many other towns, and form a large item in the export
trade of Boston.
The manufacture of Axes and other edge tools, was commenced at
Hartford, Conn., by the brothers Collins, under the style of " Collins
(1) Drake and Mansfield's "Cmoinnnli in 1825, was ths flrat pnsEenoer railroad over
1S2B," 84-86, U-n. built to the extent of twenty-fiTO miles. It
(2) The StocktoH and Dadiagton Rail- used edge rails, ond em ployed loco mo tires,
road in EnglaoiJ, opened on 3fith September, Ktationary enHiima and horses.
,y Google
312 COLLINS AXES — SWORDS — PATENTS, [1826
& Co.," still retained on their celebrated wares. Tliey wore tlie
first to supply the markets of this country with east steel axes, ready
ground for use. The manufactory was soon after removed to its present
locality, on the Farraington river, where it has since been carried on
extensively, under e, charter, by the " Collius Company," with labor-
saving macliioery, much of which was invented, patented aad constructed,
by themselves. Their axes soon altogether superseded the foreign
article.
At the Exhibition of the Franklin Institute this year, there was a pair
of seissors, of Philadelphia manufacture, which weighed only one fifth
of a grain, showing the improved dexterity of her mechanics. A Lace
dress was made in Pawtucket, R. I., which took there & preoiium of ten
dollai-s, and was afterwards purchased by the President of the TJaited
States, showing the progi'ess of the finer manufactures.
The total capital employed in manufactures was estimated at
1156,500,000, of which, 130,000,000 wa,s given to Pennsylvania,
$28,000,000 to New York, and $26,000,000 to Massachosetts. It
included eveiy species of manufacture, except food, in which the capital
was estimated at |300,000,000.
At MiddletowD, Coon., where Swords of fine quality had been made
for many years, Mr. Nathan Star made several, considered almost equal
in temper to the famous " Damascus Blades. " They were presented to
Generals Jackson, Gaines, Johnson, and Commodore Hill.
Patents. — David H. Mason, Philadelphia, January 26, ornamental
rolls and stamps for bookbinders ; John S. Gustin, New York, February
23, power loom for weaving wire ; Daniel Treadwell, Boston, March 3,
power printing press— this press was about this time in operation in the
ofBce of the "National Intelligencer," and was considered by the pro-
prietors, Messrs. Gales & Seaton, one of the most valuable discoveries
ever conferred npon the art. It was said to be the only press on the
cylindrical principle, adapted to book printing, which it executed in the
most beautiful manner. Wm. Iloyt, BrookvUle, Indiana, Marcli 3, east-
steel triangular bells ; Jessie Dclavo, New York, March "I, wrought iron
fireproof chests ; E. Nott, Schenectedy, N. Y., three patents, March
23, June 21, and December 29, for the evolution and management of
heat, which was the subject of five subsequent patents by the same
person, and covered the construction of Nott's highly popular and
beautiful stoves. Benjamin Bull, New York, June 20, machine for
weighing canal boats ; W. Hunt & W. Hoskins, Martinsburg, N. Y.,
June 22, machine for spinning flax and hemp. This machine, invented
by the late Walter Hunt, whose patented and other inventions and im-
provements were very numerous, was the result of numerous experiraonts
,y Google
1826] JflAX MACHINE — EVE'B ENGINE— LI TIIOMrEirTEE.. 313
made to revolutionize the flax mannfacture, as tliat of cotton had been
by laboi'-saving machiuery, and came nearest to the object of any iutro.
duced up to that time. John M. Brookings, Wiscasset, Maine, June
23, and several others, machines for moulding and pressing bricks ;
Henry Bostwick, New Tort, August 2, representing genealogy and
chronology by lines ; Joseph Eve, London, England, August 16, im-
provement in steam engines. Eve's steam engine, for which he obtained
a patent in 1818, while a resident of Georgia, excited consideralile inter-
est in England for its novelty, having no parts in common with ordinary
engines, " no cylinder, piston, valve cock, fly wheel, craut, condenser, or
reciprocating parts whatever." It was rotary and high pressure, and
was impelled by the direct impalse of the steam acting on surfaces
at right angles with the motion, securing its whole power under
favorable circumstances. D. Collinga & J. D. Galup, Wilkesbarre, Pa.,
October 12, generating steam by Anthracite ; Wm, Q. Berry, and J. T,
Osborn, Cincinnati, Oliio, November 26, a locomotive steam saw mill ;
Isaiah Lukens, Philadelphia, December 30, improvement in the lithon-
tripter. A patent was granted in England on 15th September, 1S25,
to Mr. Lukens, machinist, of Adams street, Adelphia, Connty of Mid-
dlesex, "for his new invented surgioal instrument, for destroying the
stone in the bladder without cutting, which he denominates lithon-
tripter." This valuable surgical instniment appears to have been the
invention of an American.
In the expectation that a permanent system of adequate protection to
domestic industry, would be engrafted upon the national policy, and in
1R9? consequence of the tariff of 1824, which raised the duties upon
woolen goods from twenty-five up to thirty-three and one third
per cent, a large amount of capital had, during a number of years past,
been attracted to the Woolen Manufacture. Enterprise had been still
farther invited into that and other branches of manufacture on account
of the depressed state of the foreign commerce, and of agriculture
resulting from the low price of American staples in the markets of
Europe, to which may also be added a general improvement in the
financial condition of the world. The augmentation of the duty on
imported woolens, was, however, immediately followed in Great Britain
by a reduction of the duty upon foreign wool from sis pence to one
penny per pound (and soon after to one halfpenny), for the acknowl-
edged purpose of enabling the British woolen manufacturer to send his
goods into the United States at a reduced cost. Aa a consequence of
the combined foreign and domestic competition, increased in the former
case by the great improvements in machinery, the low price of wool in
i.Google
[1821
tl m 1 ft g 1 th tit d bJ t t 1
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f g th m f t f W 1 d t th y th
b fit t d d by tl t f 1824 ! wh h h d d I tl t 1
m f t d m f e tto ,, uidei the mmiiaam duties
of 1816, whereby foreign low-priced cottons were wholly excluded, and
a greatly superior article was supplied by our manufacturers at about
one half the former price, Mr, Mallorj of Vermont, from the- Com-
mittee on Mannfactnres, reported on the 10th January, a bill having
especial reference to the protection of that branch. The bill left the
rate of duties unchanged on woolen manufactures, bat all manufac-
tures of wool, except worsted stuff goods and blankets, whose actual
Talue at the place whence imported was less than forty cents, between forty
cents and $2.50, or between $2.50 and f4 per square yard respeetiTely,
were to be deemed and taken to haye cost those prices. AH unmann-
factured wool then chargeable with a duty of thirty per cent, ad valorem,
was to pay thirty-five per cent, during the fii-st year, and after 1st Jnne,
183T, forty per cent, ad valorem, with a miniranm valuation of forty
cents per pound on wool costing between ten and forty cents. Having
been taken np in Committee of the Whole, on 17th January, Mr. Mallory
advocated its passage as alike demanded by the prostrate condition of
the manufacture and as a benefit to the ngricnltural interests. He esti-
mated the capital employed in the woolen branch to be at least forty
millions, giiing employment to sixty thousand persons, and the capital
,y Google
1827] WOOLENS BILL — HAKSISBDRO CONVBNTIOK. 315
devoted to wool growing at as much moie The nambei of -iliepp was
estimated at fifteen to siiteea millions Ibe pr ncipd,! eiuses of the
present depiession wl!i;,h the bill sought to lemore weio the era. ion of
duties under the al Talorem system by means of foicign agents iPsidm^
ill the couutij to nhom unflnished goods weio consgnel at t low
valuation, ^nd finished by foreign woiLmen in then emploj in this
country; the inegulaiitj of the niuket m consequence of sadden
influxes of foitioU gooda , the credits on duties , s-iles at audion , and
the practice ot the mannfactnrei alwajs to sell his surplus stocl in this
conntry, rathei than depres'. his own market when compelle I to sell at
reduced puces The bii! was opposed by Mr Cambielen^ of Nev
York, who declared that it was an attempt to levy a Inty of two hundred
per cent., disguised nndci the minimum rule as one of thirty thiee and
one third pei cent onlj ind that it would be in cffeU entiiely pro
hibitory of coarse noolen gctda m ich needed by the p ore r classes for
the benefit cf manufactiiers who wcie suffenng only from a reaaion of
trade, the rtanlt of their own over speculation ind production After
I'urther opposition from Mr. Buchanan of Pennaylvama, who favored
protection as in 1824, bat was opposed to this bill, and from Messrs.
Mitchell, Hamilton, Prajton, and McDuffle of South Carolina, Archer
of Virginia, and others, and having received the advocacy of Messrs.
Tristram Barges of Bhode Island, Dwight and Davis of Massachusetts,
Stewart and Ingham of Pennsylvania, and many others, the bill in an
amended form passed the Ilouse on the 10th February, by a vote of one
hundred and six to ninety-five. It failed, however, to become a law,
having on the 28th, on motion of Mr. Hayne, been laid on the table in
the Senate, by the casting vote of the Vice President, chiefly in conse-
quence of iis late introduction and want of time to discuss it.
The failure of the Woolens bill was immediately followed by efforts on
the part of mannfactarers, to secure, by combined and systematic action,
an early attention at the next session of Congress to the important
interests which appeared to be consigned to inevitable rain. A con-
vention of delegates from the friends of domestic industry in thirteen
New England and Middle States, assembled at Earrisburg, Pa., on the
30th July, when the subject was fully discussed. A memorial drawn up
by C. J. IiigersoU, was presented and adopted, and having been laid
before the nest Congress, with the draft of a bill containing a higher
schedule of duties, resulted in the passage of a new Tariff act, giving a
greater measure of protection to the manufacturing interests, although
an increase of duties was opposed by an elaborate and able report of a
committee of citizens of Boston, published November 30, of this year.
On the 6tli of August, a Convention of Commerce between Great
,y Google
316 SALT — COAL— JIECHANICS' raSTITITTE. [I82T
Britain and tlie TTnited States was signed at London, whereby tlie pro-
visions of the commercial treaty of July 3, 1815, which had been con-
tinaed for ten years by the conyention of 20th October, 1818, were again
continued and extended indefinitely.
A remonstrance from Massachusetts against a bill for the repeal of the
duty on foreign Salt, which passed the Senate on 6th February, stated
tliat the manufactories were numerous along the sea coast of that State,
and employed upward of one thousand persons, producing annually six
hundred thousand bushels of the best salt. In Barnstable County
alone, there were fifteen million feet of vats, worth $1,300,000. The
duty of twenty cents a bnshel, imposed iu 1813, had revived and
extended the manufacture, and within three years past the domestic and
foreign competition had reduced the price about thirty per cent. It had
been as high as sixty cents a bnshel, but was now sold for thirty-three or
thirty-five cents, which was less than it could be afforded. The total salt
manufacture of the Union was estimated at i,151,182 bushels, of which
about one fourth, or 1,104,452 bushels, was made in New York, and
929,848 in "Virginia.
The general introduction, about this date, of grates and furnaces for
barning Anthracite eoa], considerably increased the coal trade of Penn-
sylvania, which was still more promoted by the completion in the spring
of this year, of the Maach Chunk raiJroad and the use of rail cara
drawn by mules in the "drifts" of the coal mines.
The General Mining Association, sole lessees from the creditors of the
Dukeof York, of the immense bituminous coalfields of Nova Scotia,
at the same time commenced operations at Sydney, in Cape Breton
where coal Jiad been mined on a small scale for sixty years — and at the
Albion mines in Pictou.
The Boston Mechanics'. Institute was incorporated June 15, for the pro-
motion of science and the useful arts by lectures and other means, A
course of lectures was commenced three weeis after its organization, and a
second course in November, and it numbered among its early lectnrei-s such
men as Messrs. George B. Emerson, Professors Farrar and Webster, Daniel
Treadwell, Edward Everett, Dr. John Ware, I)r. Bigelow, and others.
On June 25, there were in Philadelphia and its vi inity one hundred
and four warping mills at work, sufficient to employ foiti to fifty
weavers each, or forty-five hundred in all, over two hundied dyers three
thousand spoolers, two thousand bobbin winders. Weavei'* dyers and
warpers, could average five dollars per week in wages and spoileis fifty
cents to one dollar and a half, and bobbin winders one dollai and found
The mauafactnring establishments were over fli'ty, at an average rentil
of one hundred and eighty dollars; the houses occupied by wetvera
,y Google
182T] PHITuiDBLPelA — PATERBOK — COTTON TRADE. Sll
about fifteen liundred, at sixty to eighty dollars ; indigo used weekly,
twenty-two hundred pounds ; flour used as sizing, thirty to forty pounds ;
the goods produced daily were eighty-one thousand yards, at aa average
value of sixteen cents a yard. The whole wages of operatises amounted
to $1,410,000 per annum ; rents to $114,000 ; indigo at two dollars per
pound, $328,800 ; fiour for sizing to $9,100; and the goods manufac-
tured to 24,300,000 yards, worth at sixteen cents, $3,888,000, and
requiring, at four yards to the pound, 6,015,000 pounds, or 20,250 bales
of cotton, equal to sixty-nine bales per diem, and worth at ten cents,
$601,500 per annum. The goods were ginghams, checks, bedtickings,
and stripes, which were exported in large quantities, to supply as well
the Eastern and Western as the Southern States, many being sent to
Boston by every packet.'
The City of Paterson, JJ. J., had become, in consequence of its mann*
factures, a place of 6,336 inhabitants, with seven houses of public
worship, seventeen schools, a philosophical society, fifteen cotton factories,
employing 25,998 spindles, and two duck factories, with 1,644 spindles,
besides extensive machine shops and iron works. Its manufactories
employed 1,453 handa, whose annual wages were $321,123. They con-
sumed SIX thousand bales, or 1,843,100 ponuds of cotton, 620,000 pounds
of flax, 1,630,000 pounds of cotton yarn, and 430,000 pounds of linen
yarn weie spun, besides 630,000 yards of linen and duck, and 3,354,500
yards oi cotton cloth. New factories were in progress of erection.'
The first importation of United States Cotton into Genoa was made
this year by the house of Antonio & Andrea Ponti, proprietors of the
oldest and largest cotton mill in Lombardy, established in 1810. It
was purchased in New Orleans by a member of that house, one of whom
afterward resided eleven years in the United States, and greatly increased
the exportation of American cotton to the Mediterranean.
The total consumption of Cotton in the United States was estimated
at 103,483 bales. The demand for American domestic cottons in Brazil,
was considerably affected by imitations of them made in Manchester,
and offered there at lower prices, although they could be made as
cheaply ia the United States as the same quality could be produced iu
that city. The progress of the cotton and woolen manufacture iu the
United States was a subject of some anxiety in England, and the Leeds
Mercury about this date, stated tliat the Americans had even succeeded
in applying the power loom to the woolen manufacture, "in which the
English have hitherto failed,"
During this, or the following year, subscriptions to the requisite amount
1) HuMrd'a Regiater of Pennsylvania, (2| Gordon's Gaze 1 tear. Montgomery on
,y Google
21S LACE— CAEPETS — LITHOGRAPIia. [1827
were made, for the estabiislinient of the first Tirginia cotton factory, at-
Petersbnrg, where ample power was afforded by the falls of the Appo-
mattox. Two large cotton mills were afterward erected at Matoaca, ou
the Borth bank of the river, fonr miles above Petersbnrg. A company for
the manufacture of cotton and woolen cloths, and linens, was also about
this time projected by the people of Fredericksburg and Falmouth.
The value of Flannels, made by three mills in the vicinity of Newbury-
port, Massachusetts, for one year, was estimated at $684,000.
The number of incorporated manufaetnring companies in Massa-
chusetts, at this time, was one hundred and sixty-one, with capitals
varying from $20,000 to $650,000. The whole amount of capital was
$21,465,000.
The Bobinet factory at Ipswich, wliich had employed eight hundred
young women in lace work, was compelled to discontinue operations, on
account of the British manufacturers having so much improved their
machinery as to undersell them. A new Net factory was, however, about
( started at that place. A Lace school at Newport, R. I., also
3 about five hundred young women.
In Windham and Tolland counties, in Connecticut, the following
quantities of Silk were made this year : Mansfield, 2430 pounds ; Chaplin,
650 pounds; Ashfield, 500 pounds ; Hampton, 461 pounds; Coventry,
350 pounds; total, 4,29T pounds, worth four dollars per pound. It
was made in several other towns, from which there were no tn
Two attempts made, during the last and present years, by th M
Terhoeven, near Philadelphia, to rear two crops of worms ii an
proved failures, although two crops had been produced at BethI h m n
1825, by Messrs. Weiss & Youngman. The Messrs. Terhoeven 1 tl
about this time invented a simple and ingenious machine fi d g
silk from the cocoons, and for doubling and twisting at the same time
operations believed to have never before been united in the same machine.
It gave perfect satisfaction, and the inventors were awarded a medal and
twenty dollars, from the fund left by John Scott, of Edinbargli, to the
corporation of Philadelphia, for the distdbntion of premiums "to
ingenious men and women, who make useful inventions and improve-
ments. ™
A mantiFactory of Ingrain or Kiddoi-minister carpets and shawls, was
carried on at Tariffville, Connecticut, by an incorporated company, under
the direction of H, K. Knight ; some of its productions were considered
elegant, and four years after, it employed a capital of $123,000 and
ninety- five male weavers.
The first Lithographic establishment in the United States was this
(1) Rash's Manui.1, pp. 20, .^9, 178.
,y Google
1831] LITHOGUAl'IIT—OHINA— HELLS— cum MACHINES. 319
year established at Boston, by Wra. S. Pendleton, who imported artists
and materials from England, and produced portraits, music titles, and
other beautifal specimens of the art, with great facility and correct-
A large maaufactory of American China or Porcelain was in snc-
cessful operation at Philadelphia. It was owned by William Ellis
Tncter, whose warehouse was at 40 North Fifth street, and who was
believed to be the only person who had bronght the domestic manufac-
ture of China to any considerable degree of perfection. A company of
English artificers, this year, established the same business near Pittsburg,
where snitable clay was found. A porcelain factory at Jersey City, near
New York, was also said to bo doing weil. It employed one hundred
persons and $200,000 capital. A glass factory, of the same siae, was
in operation there, and a carpet factory, making twenty-five hundred
yards weekly.
Stained glass of fine finish and design, was also made in considerable
quantity in the vicinity of New York, Glass decanters of great beauty
and solidity were made at Wellshurg, Va., where white, flint, and green
glass wares, within a few years, rivalled the foreign.
The first Bell made from blistered bar steel, or cast steel, melted, waj
manufactured this year at the works of the New York Steel Manufac-
turing Company, in New York city, under the superintendence of a
gentleman from Baltimore, who was said to have a patent. It was equal
in sound to composition bells, and could be made as light as they at a
cost of twenty to twenty-five cents per pound. The West Troy belt
foundry, of A. Meneelej's Sons, was established about this time.
Orders were this year received from Prance and England, for some of
the card making machines, invented by Mr. Whittemore of Cambridge.
The English machinists are said to have been unable to put them
(I) This entsrpriso appaara to iave been Mr. Bwett. Mr, Pondleton soon nfler lefi,
immeainlolj Bnecossful, and having passed and aet up tho first lithogi^aphic iiouso in
tliiMnglidiffer6nttand3,woarocent]rownad New Xork, and the fourth in tie Union-
»nd«OBaQetodl)ye.W.ChnndlerABrothor, whila la Philadelphia, tlie bnainesa was
Bt 204 WaahingtOQ street The second continaed bj 0. J. Childs and H. Inman,
lithogropliio BstaMishinont was the neit the latter also a painter of great merit, lu
jear attempted nt Philadelphia by Kennedy abont tnn jeara, Mr. Lehman took (he place
& Laeas, but for want of practieai printers, of Mr. Inman, and Childa A Lehman con-
soon oeased, and was followed, near the ducted it until 1834, when P. 9. Duval,.
Game time, by the Ihird eslabliahment, their pri t ded Mr. Cbllds, under
started in the same city by Messrs, John th fl ra f L h A Duval, and in 183(i
Pendleton, Keavney 4 Childa, who em- th f m t d 1 aving Mr. Duval aolo
ployed as draughtsmen the late lUmbrandt p p t f th busiueaa, whieh ho hat
Peala, the smineat portrait painter, and s d { d
,y Google
820 PATENTS -OOEDAOE MACHINES. [ISST
together when tLej arrivecl, and the persons ordering tliem were obliged
to send to Boston for an American machinist.
Mr. Richardson, of Baltimore, this year constructed a steam flouring
mill, on the American plan, for the Netherlands.
Patents.— Isaac Tjson, Baltimore, February 15, making copperas;
John Sitton, Pendleton, S. C, February 15, and Cyrus W. Beach,
Schoharie, N. T., March 1 6, wheelwrights' assistant ; William A. Hart,
Fredonia, N. Y., Feb. 20, Marrel Dayis, Mayyille, N. Y., July 10,
and Joseph Shattuek, Jefferson county, Ohio, Noy. 10, all for porcnssion
gun locks, and John Ambler, jr., Hew Berlin, N. Y., Oct. 16, lever
percussion lock; David Myerle, Philadelphia, March 3, machinery for
laying ropes ; Robert Groves, Brooklyn, N. Y., July 25, making cordage.
[Messrs. Tiers & Myerie, of Pbiladelpliia, purchased afterward the
patent of Mr. Groves, originally taken out seven years before, and estab-
lished a large factory for the manufacture of cordage on a new principle ■
the threads being placed on different revolving spools, passed through
perforated cast-iron plates, and then through a cast-iron tube of suitable
diameter for any sized rope. D. Myerie & Co., also established a large
steam rope factory at "Wheeling, Ya., and another, fourteen huudred feet
ioug hytwentj-Sve wii^e, at LouisvilJe, and others, we believe, at Cincinnati
and St. Louis. Hia machinery was also used at Pittsburg and elsewhere,
and was a valuable mprovement. ] Oliver Ames, Easton, Mass., March 5*
making shovels ; Lemuel Hedge, Windsor, Tt., June 20, engine for dividing
scales, which was adapted for stamping Gunter's scales ; Denison Olmsted,
New Haven, Ct., July 21, making gas light from cotton seed ; Simeon
Brown, N. Y., Jnly 31, removing buildings with chimnies, furniture, etc. ;
Horace Baker, North Salem, N. Y., August 30, loom for weaving
figured goods; John Robinson, Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 14, glass kn«b3
pressed at one operation; John MeClintic, Chambersburg, Pa., Oct. 8,
mortising and tenoning machine : this, though not the earliest patent, il
regarded as the first practical contrivance of the kind, and the parent
of the foot mortising machine for wood, since universally adopted in
workshops, and the subject of numerous patented improvements. Charles
Miner, Lynn, Ct., Oct. 12, and Nov. 16, raising ships, etc., by cradle
screw ; David H. Masou and M. W. Baldwin, Philadelphia, October 30,
biting figures on steel cylinders for printing calicoes ; Nathaniel Bishop,'
Danbury, Ct, Nov. 1^, rolSing the backs of tortoise shell combs.
Jacob Perkins patented in England, March 22, a steam engine and
tubular boilers.
The excitement which had for several years agitated the whole
country on the sui.joct of legislative protection to domestic manufac-
,y Google
I.OKIBS OS THE -WOOLEN FAOTOKIES,
tares, receiTed intensity in consequence of the organized effort of the
manufacturers to influence Congvesa, through the Harriabarg Con-
1828 '^°*'™ ^^^^ '" "^"'y °^ *^^ ^^^* y*^""' following the defeat of
the Woolens Bill in the Senate. The hostility of the planting
interests of the South, to an increase of duties on imports, with a Yiew
to encouraging manufactures, as being sectional, oppressive to them-
selves, and likely to produce retaliating discriminations against their
great staples, in addition to its being a tax npon the consumer, had
gathered strength at each attempt to remodel the tariff since 1816. An
increasing degree of asperity was manifested in the South, on the subject
of protection, and amid the severe denunciations, and counteracting
efforts, which were fast making the question of prohibitory and protec-
tive duties a principal issae between the great politieaJ parties of the
country, the twentieth Congress assembled in its first session on 8d
December of the last year. The continued distress of the woolen mann-
facturera, who had been fast sinking under foreign competition, or with
very few exceptions had barely sustained themselves in the hope of some
permanent measures for their relief, and the equally depressed condition
of the irou interests, produced, on the 3Ist December, a resolution of the
House, empowering the Committee on Manufactures " to send for and
examine persons on oatli, concerning the present condition of manufac-
tures, and to report the minutes of such examination to the Honse,"
preparatory to a revision of the tariff.
I were issued and
numerous witnesses were examined relative to iron, wool, woolens, steel
paper, glass, hemp, flax, sail duck, shirts, and cotton cloth.'
{]) On th9 BDbjeot of wool and woolens.
piaees in 1827, with improving sales; Wm.
the following proprietors aiid rBpraaeiita-
W. Tonng, Bfanclynine, Del., ooairoenced
livea of leading eatabliahmBnta, wars ex-
1313, capital SlOO,000, bine eassimeres and
amined by the oommittee, rii.: Simon A,
coarse wool satinatts, losing business siaee
Dexter, of the Orialcany Mimufaoturing
1825; William K. Diokorson, Steuben villa.
Company, Whitesboro', H. T., eommoneed
to seren-quarter broadcloths and aome flmi-
Hon. A. Tnfta, of Tufts' Mannfac luring
nels : losses in three years about 38,000 ; A.
Compnny, Dudley, Mass., oomraaneed IS34,
Sohenek, Glonham Company, Matteawan,
capital $40,000 : loss, exdusive of interest.
H. Y., incorporated 1824, capital $91,531,
In eigbtoen monlhs, Si,000; Col. Jamas
broadelotha : lost in 1826-T, S5,500, and in
Shepherd, of Shepherd Woolen Manufaotur-
1825-.0, $l,r95; made also, maobine^ in
last year to amount of thirty or fbrty thou-
ing Oompany, Northampton, Mass, (the lar-
gest in the United States), cnpital $130,000,
sand dollars, which was a profitable bnsi-
made broadeloths and cassinierea: lost in
ness; James Woloott, Jr., of Woloott Woolen
two years about $30,000; IV lu. Phillips,
Manufactory, South Eridgewater, Mass.,
of PhiKipsbnrg Factory, WalkiU, N. Y.,
ineorporaled seven years before, capital
CapitaJ $20,000, broadcioth; Abraham Mait-
tl26,000, broadcloths, principally indigo.
land, Andover, Mass., oapital S42,000,
blues, stock depreciated fifty per cent. ; losi
flannels altogefhor, to omoonl of 3,200
in 1320 $33,095, cscluaivo of interest on
i.Google
332 WOOLEN Mir.T.a [1824
The Committee, acting upon the evidence thus obtained, made a report,
of which six thonsand copies were printed, and accompanied it by a bill
drawn up bj Mr. Silas Wnght of New York, and framed witli especial
regard to the protection of the woolen manufacturer, wool grower, and
farmer, and the prodncer and manufacturer of iron, by encouraging the
consumption of domestic materiala in preference to foreign, and giving
to both the command of the home market. Mr. Mailory, chairman of
the committee, through whom the bill was reported and called up iu
Cm A
la these footurios the a^ragalA amount
tj-flve cents. [Ila j>rioe has depreciated
of wool oonaumed was 716,56B Iba. It waa
since 1852, tnenty-flve to thirty-three and
etatfld that pnrohnsers generally ppefBired
one third per cent., owing to the depressed
of the dyes of blue eloths, the otiiers teiDg
seventy-five now selling for 6ftj to fifty-five.
It was Btill fifty to aeventy-flve per cent.
sgainit Amurican cloths b; foreigners was
higher than in England. A lot sold in New
equal to twentj-five per sent, agninat the
York in Oclober last for sBventy-sii cents.
marufaelare. Xbe manDfaotnrera oonai
whi^h cost in London two shillings and one
dei-ed that they conld make cloths as
pence or forty-sii cents, and a lot pnr-
cheaply ns the English, wool being cf the
cliaac I in IBoGton at £lty cents was valued
same quality and prioe. More fern Je labor
in London at twenty-threo and one half
and maehinerywere need here than in Bug
cent' Wool, costing twenty to seventy-five
cents, was about half Iho price of the plain
woolens was of American manufacture
cloth There was no wool more suitable
and the whole amount was c t m^tcd at
for blanketa thnn Bativo wool, but its prioe
$50,000,01)0 nonuiilj Small estahl h
had always been too high.]
m=iita iind me 1 iim canta! ansncrc 1 better
i.Google
1828] THE TABirF OF 1828. 323
the detaiSa of tlie bill, especially the daty on certaia kinds of wool, as
positively injurious to the manufacturer and of no advautage to the
farmer. The bill ^iropoaed to increase the duty on hammered iron, from
$18 to $23.44, and on rolled iron from $30 to |37 per ton, making the
first equal to about Bixty-seven per cent, and the latter one hundred and
twenty-one per cent. ; on pig iron, from fifty to sixty-two and a half cents
per cwt., and increased the duty on wire one cent per pound, on hard-
ware ten per cent, and on steel from one to one dollar and a half per
cwt. Upon wool and woolens, which were the great interests regarded
by the hill, as suffering most from the low price of foreign wool, auction
sales, credits for duties, and various defects of the revenue system, the
following duties were proposed ; on unmannfactnred wool, seven cents
per pound (reduced to four cents),with an addition of forty per cent,
and an annual increase of five per cent., until it reached fifty per cent.
ad valorem. Manufactures of wool (except carpets, blankets, worsted
stuff goods, bombazines, hosiery, raits, gloves, caps, and bindings), the
actual value of which, at the place whence imported, was not over fifty
cents, were to pay sixteen cents the square yard — changed to an ad
valorem duty of forty per cent, until 30th June, 1829, and forty-five per
cent, thereafter on a miniraum valuatioa of fifty cents. On woolens
valued between fifty cents and one dollar per square yard, a duty of forty
cents ; on those between one dollar and two dollars and a half per yard,
one dollar. Those costing between two and a half and four dollars,
were to be taken to have cost four dollars and pay forty per cent,
ad valorem. Woolen blankets having nuts, etc., thirty-five per cent.
These rates were finally changed to a uniform duty of forty per cent.,
until 30th June, 1829, and forty-five per cent, thereafter, on the first
three classes, with minimum valuations respectively, of one, two, two and
a half, and four dollB.rs the square yard ; and woolens costing over four
dollars per yard, were to pay forty-five per cent, before and fifty per cent
after the above date; ready-madeclothing fifty per cent. ; Brussels, Turkey,
and Wilton carpets and carpetings, seventy cents ; Venetian and ingrain
carpetings, forty cents; other carpeting, thirty-two cents; patent floor
cloth, fifty cents a yard, etc. On unmanufactured hemp and flax, forty-
five dollars per ton, and five dollars per ton additional per annum, until
it reached sixty cents ; and sail duck nine cents the square yard, to
which was added four and a half cents the square yard on collon
bagging, and after June 1829, five cents. On molasses, ten cents per
gallon, and on distilled spirits, ten cents in addition to the existing duty,
altered to fifteen cents. The bill having been thus amended and discussed,
passed the House on the 2lBt April, by a vote of one hundred and five to
ninety-fonr, and was sent to the Senate, where it received farther amend-
,y Google
324 THE NEW TAWPP. [182S
ments, wUioh wero agreed to by the House. Mr. Benton proposed an
annually increasing dnty on indigo until it reached one dollar per pound.
It was advocated by others but opposed by Mr, Hayne of South Carolina,
who was unwilling that the South should participate in the American
system, and the duty was fixed at an increase of five cents the first year,
and ten cents annually afterward up to a, maximum duty of fifty cents a
pound. A duty of thirty per cent., and after June 1829, an additional
duty of five per cent, on all silks beyond the Cape of Good Hope, and
of twenty per cent, on other manufactures of silk, was added to the bill.
Duties of fonr to nine dollars per ton on roofing slates, and of thirty-
tliree and one third per cent, on school slates, were also added by this bill,
and the minimum value of cottons was raised to thirty-five cents the
square yard.
Hnder the minimum principle, which was now applied generally to
woolen manufaetares, the five several grades of woolens paid respectively,
at the rate per yard of fourteen, twenty-two and a half, forty-five, one
hundred and twelve and a half, and one hundred and eighty cents per
yard. But the increased duties upon woolens which gave to this measure
the name of the High Tariff, were materially modified in their effect by
the high duty on wool, which, as originally reported, would have effectu-
ally counteracted its benefits to the manufacturers of coarse wool — an
article extensively imported but not produced in the country.
The act, which was to go into immediate effect after the 30th day of
June, notwithstanding strong remonstrances from the Legislature of
South Carolina and from unofScial sources, and various efforts to defeat
it, finally passed the House on the 15th May, when the last of the
Senate's amendments waa agreed to by a vote of one hundred and twenty-
two to sixty, and it became a law on the lUth.' It was the first act
regarded by the manufacturers as really protective of their interests, and
greatly promoted the growth of certain branches.' Ifo protection was
asked for manufactures of glass, paper, or iron, except hammered bar
iron. On the 5th January Mr. Rush, Secretary of the Treasury, in
obedience to a resolution of the House of 39th December, 1825, made a
report accompanied by & manual prepared under his direction in con-
formity with the resolution of llth May, 1826, on the growth and
(1) Under the tariff of 1824, in part re-
States. At publio meetings, resolatii
pealed bj this act, the total impurlationg in
abstain from the use of every thinf
fuur years amounted to S3(11,6S8,S85, and
dueed in tho tariff states, and even
the duties to tl2I,e37,M2, an average of
forty and a quarter i^ec oentuno.
(2) The passage of this act produced
passed in Baldwin oounty. Seorgia
Eiueli dissotlsfaction and tbreata of retalia-
Barnwell district, South Carolina, nnd
tion both in Hngland and tlio Southera
excitement vras manifested olscwliero.
i.Google
1828J MOaUH MCLnOATJLIS — MANAYUNK. S25
maiiufactiire of silk, of which reporte the Senate ordered six thousaud
copies to ho printed.' The manual was a yaluable digest of information
Hpoa the history and management of silk worms, and the manufacture
of silk with plates of the most approved macliincry. It contributed to
the general interest at this time awakened on the subject of silk culture,
and to the diffusion of correct knowledge in relation to it.
The Pennsylvania Society for the Promotion of the Culture of the
Mulberry and the raising of silk worms, offered on 2d April the following
premiums to promote the objects for which it was organized, viz. ; sixty
dollars for the greatest quantity of sewing silk of the best quality, pro-
duced within the state, from cocoons raised therein by one family, not
less than twenty pounds, and smaller sums of forty and. twenty-five
dollars for the next greatest quantity not less than fifteen and ten pounds ;
premiums of fifty and thirty dollars for the greatest quantities of cocoons
not less than one hundred and fifty pounds; fifty dollars for the largest
lot of white mulberry trees, not less than four buadred, within twelve
miles of the city, and sums of thirty and twenty dollars for smaller lots.
The culture of the mnlberry was this year commenced at Economy, in
Pennsylvania, by Mr. George Rapp and his associates, whose experiments
Witll the white Italian mulberry and ilie morus mnlticauiis, and in the
manufacture of silk, were among the most successful in the conntry.
On the 11th June of this year, the Congress of Peru "considering
that new states ought to encourage, above all, their own manufactures and
industry," decreed that within ten months from Europe, and eight months
from the states of America (Feb. 11, 1829), ail articles then paying
ninety per cent, duties shoald be totally prohibited. These articles em-
braced American bleached and unbleached cottons, hats, shoes, soap,
tobacco, etc. ; and the prohibition was also extended to flour, butter, rice,
and some other articles. In consequence of a revolution in the fol-
lowing year, the decree was annulled by the new administration on
June 15, 1829.
The largest wool sale in the United States up to this date, took place
in Boston on lOth June, at the hall over the new market house, when
Messrs. Coolidge, Poor, and Head, offered 1536 bales of Saxony, Spanish,
and other foreign and American wool, amounting to four hundred
thousand pounds, valued at from two to three hundred thousand dollars.
The manufacturing borough of Manayunk, Pennsylvania, contained at
this time, ten mills in operation and in course of erection, including
Richards' rolling and nail mills. The former employed 63S persons, and
(1) Ssnolo Document, No. US, 2llth Con- translalion of tha worI< of M. Da Labrousse
gross, Jat Session. Wm. A. Vornon, Esq. on tho cultivation of MuiberrJ trooa, Hifh
»f Rhode Island, pubiislied this je^ir a viloaljk notes by tUe translator.
,y Google
nnfacttiTes of flour, drogs, saw grinijiug and polishing,
cardiug and filling of cloth, cotton and woolen goods, jjapcr, etc., nearly
all of which had grown up within six years.
Le:sington, Kentnck;, contained ten manufactories of cotton bagging
and bale rope, in which five hundred persona were employed, of whom
not over two per cent, were white. There were in other parts of the
state as many more. The annual produce was nearly one milHon yards
of cotton bagging and two million pounds of bale rope, beside large
qnantitiea of twine and yams. There were also ten cotton manufac-
tories. The Fayette factory, near the town, spun weekly, between four
and five thousand dozens of cotton, and had recently put up looms to
make about fifty pieces of mnslin, thirty yards each, per week. Mr,
James Weir's cotton factory worked up about two hundred and fifty
bales of cotton annnally. There were three woolen factories. The
Lexington white lead factory made annually from eighty to one hundred
thousand pounds of white and ten thousand pounds of red lead. The
stock was abont sis thousand dollars, and the dividends about eight
per cent, per annum. This city had numerous other establishments, as
grist mills, breweries of beer and porter, paper mills, ropewalks, dis-
tillei'ies, foundriea, nail works, eta. Abont two thousand tona of hemp
were an nn ally -raised in tJie vicinity, and the culture had greatly increased
of late.
The Covington Cotton Factory, at Covington, in the same state,
opposite Cincinnati, was built this year, at a cost of sixty-six thousand
do Hare.
One or more cotton spinning mills were in operation at Tincennes,
Indiana, owned by Messrs. Reynolds &, Bonner, and H. J). Wheeler.
Notwithstanding the hostility of the South to the tariff act, several
cotton manufactories were projected within a few months, and others
were about to go into operation — one at Augusta, two at Milledgeville,
and another at Indian Springs in Georgia. The Petersburg Vii^inian
contained an essay in favor of their estabhshment at that place, and
efforts were made to establish cotton and woolen factories at Fredericks-
burg in that state.
Two more of the large manufacturing companies of Lowell, Massachn-
setts, were this year incorporated, and commenced operations, viz.; the
Appleton Company, and the Lowell Manufacturing Company. The
Lowell Bank was also chartered.
A charter was granted in Connecticut to the " Norwich Water Power
Company," with a capital of forty thousand doHara, for the construction
of works to bring into use the immense and previously unoccupied
water power of the Shetuckef, below its junction with the Quinelang, at
,y Google
1828] 8EA ISLAND COTTON. 321
Worwieli. A substantial stone dam, 280 feet in length, and a canal, were
bnilt, which furaiehed power for sixty thousand spindles. Within four
or five years five large factories were erected, the largest, that of the
Thames Company for the manufacture of cott-on cloths, being one of the
finest in New England.
Colonel Breethaupt, agent of a manufacturing company in South
Carolina, visited the New England factories in October, and in proof of
the snperior character of the machinery made there, stated that the agent
of au extensive cotton factory, about to be established in Prussia, after
visiting England, gave the preference to American machinery, and
ordered at one factory $100,000 worth. The shops, he said, were filled
with orders.'
Considerable excitement existed at this time in South Carolina,
growing oat of the improvement in the texture of Sea Island cotton.
Kiasay Burden, sen., of St. John's Colleton, in 1804 or 1805, had pro-
dncod a " packet" of cotton, worth in the English market twenty-five
cents a pound more than any other Kind. He had since assiduously
employed his botanical knowledge, in effecting further improvemeuts in
the staple, the method remaining undiscovered by others. In 1826 he
sold his first fall crop of sixty bags for one hundred and ten cents per
pound. In the following March, Mr. Whitemarsh B. Seabrook read,
before the Agricultural Society of St. John's Colleton, of which he was
fieccetary, a " report, accompanied by sundry letters, on the causes which
contribute to the production of fine Sea Island cotton," which directed
attention still more to the subject and especially to the selection of proper
seed. The experiments were successful and resulted in the rejection of
the clean seed, and the use of the downy retained for planting. During
this year, Hugh Wilson, sen,, of the same parish, obtained ninety cents
for ten bags, and from his two succeeding crops one dollar and one dollar
and twenty-flve cents per pound. Two bags of extra fine, raised by him
this year, sold for two dollars per pound, the highest price ever obtained
in any country for cotton. So valuable was Mr. Burden's secret deemed,
that he offered to sell to the Legislature for $200 000 alt his seed, and to
communicate the method of perpetnat ng the silij properties of the new
cotton fibre, for which tnowledae, it it> su1 Mr William Seabrook of
Edisto, proposed at one time to erive $50 000 although both offers were
subsequently withdrawn. This revolution in the cotton culture is be-
lieved, however, to have been injnnuus to the planters generally. The
staple has been contlnuallr impioving m quality at the expense of its
quantity, and in consequence oi the fall m priCLS has resulted in loss,
except to a few individuals.'
(!) Sil.s's EQgistcr. (2) Tho Cotton Plant.
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828 FRANKLIN IKSTITUTE PltEMIUMS — NEWARK, [1828
At the esbibition of tlie Franklin Institute, held in Pliiladclphia,
October 8th to 16th, a preminm was awarded to Seth Eojdeii of Kewark,
Kew Jersey, for an assortment of buckles, bita, aud other castings, of
annealed cast iron, remarkable for smoothness and malleability. It was
the first attempt in this conntry, known to the committee, to anneal cast
iron for general purposes. Preminms were also awarded for japanned
waiters and trays, to J. T. Elackmar of Philadelphia, and to the Merrimac
Manufacturing Company of Massachn setts, for the best specimens of
calicoes or prints for ladies' dresses. Prints were exhibited also by the
Tanuton Company, deemed nearly equal to them, and others by the
"Warrett Factory of Baltimore.
Among the premiums were also the following : to S. P. Wetherill &
Co., Philadelphia, for samples of one thousand pigs of lead, the product
of the Perkiomen mines, smelted by them ; to Wm. and T. H. Day, for
safety door locks of their invention ; for flannel, from the Yantic factory,
Connecticut, for hearth rngs, the first product of machinei? invented by
Lloyd MifQin ; to Messrs. Terhoeven, for pins made by them. Pianos
were exhibited from eight different manufacturers, aud honorary mention
waa awarded to Mr. Rowland of Philadelphia, for superior mill, pit, and
cross-cat saws j to George TV. Carpenter, for pharmaceutical preparations ;
to the Maryland Chemical Company, for bleaching salts, preferred by
many to the celebrated Tennants of Glasgow, for magnesia, etc. ;' to
Jones, Keim & Co., of Windsor Furnace, near Harrisburg, Pennsji-
vania, for the most perfect specimens of castings known of this country's
production, rivaling the most splendid Berlin medals ; and to George C.
Osborne of Philadelphia, for water colors, and to other exhibitors.
The first manufacture of Varnish, except for individual use, is said to
have been this year commenced in New York, by P. B. Smith, 202
Bowery, who the next year was joined by a Mr. Hulburt, and in the
following year, Tilden & Hulburt started the second factory. Mr.
Smith, subsequently (1836), commenced the business with D. Price, at
Newark, New Jersey, where seven or eight establishments now manufac-
ture the well known Newark varnishes — Mr. Smith's bein^ one of the
oldest and largest in the United States." Copal varnish had been made
(l)The London Mechanics' MagniiDe for MoKim, Sims & Co., who prodnoed (be nest
this JCIU-, atateil that the United States wns year over 1,500,(100 pounds. Sulphate of
Eow wholly supplied with BpBom Sails, Quinine naa worth this yeor eevon or eight
which itformerlyreceivedfromEugland, by dollars an ounoe, but ila manufaoluro waa
the "factory established ia Bnlljniore, soon after commaneed, and in 1831 it sold in
making apwer salt than in Europe and at Baltimore for $1.40 per onoce.
much ks$ i>rlee." It was made by Messrs. (2) Coaoh-makera' Magazine, vol. 1, p. 312.
,y Google
t OIL — LEAD^SUGAK.
on a small scale in Philadelphia, before this lime, by Mr. Clirit^tian
Schraek, who, in 1830, devoted his whole attention to its manufacture.
Castor oil was manufactured in considerable quantities from the palma
christi or castor bean, in Illinois and some other parts of the West.
Mr. Adams of Ed wards yille, Illinois, in 1825, made five hundred gallons',
which sold at $3.50 per gallon; in 1826, eight hundred gallons; in I 82t'
one thousand gallons, which brought $1.15; and this year, eighteen
hundred gallons, at one doliar per gallon. Two years after, he started
two presses and made over ten thousand gallons, which sold for seventy-
five to eighty-seven cents per gallon.
The Lead regions of that state were at this time filled with minei-s,
speculators, and others, attracted thither during the last few years for
Mining purposes. The lead manufactured this year amounted to
11,105,810 pounds.
The sugar plantations of Louisiana, as ascertained by pereonal visita-
tion to each estate, yielded this year 81,965 hogsheads of sugar, and
39,814 of molasses. There were besides, two hundred and six planters,
who produced nothing this year, but would the next. The largest
plaEtation was that of Geuera! Wade Hampton, seventy miles above New
Orleans, which yielded 1640 hogsheads of eugar and tao of molasses.
The sugar estates in operation numbered 308 ; their manual power was
twenty-one thousand slaves ; the. steam power, eighty-two engines ; horse
power, 226 ; capital invested, about $34,000,000. Since 1816, when
the state produced fifteen thousand hogsheads of sugar, the business has
greatly increased under the protecting duty then laH, and now supplies
Eeady two thirds of the domestic consumption. Upward of thirty-nine
thousand hogsheads of sugar, and about eighteen thousand five hundred
hogsheads of molasses, were sent from Louisiana to northern parts of the
Union, and nearly as much np the river iu the year ending September 30.
Its price at Louisville, Kentucky, was seven and a quarter cents by the
barrel.
The iron manufacture of Pennsylvania amounted to 22,600 tons of
bar and rolled iron, and 14,000 tons of castings, equal to 48,000 tons
of pig metal. The Champlain region of New York produced about
S,000 tons of bar iron, and the state an amount equal to 13,500 tons of
pig iron; Virginia, 10,500; Ohio, 5,000; Kentucky, 4,500; Tennessee,
5,000; New Jersey, 4,000; Maryland, 3,000; North Carolina, 1,800;
the six New England states, 1,200 ; and the rest of the states abont
4,500 tons ; total, 101,000 tons. The whole number of furnaces in ope-
ration has been elsewhere estimated on reliable data at 192, and the
product in pig iron and castings at 123,404 tons. The price of American
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330 FntST RAILROAD BOSTON NEWSPAPEBa [1823
hammered bar iron, which had advanced within three or four years, was
in the seaports $105 per ton, and on the Ohio, $115 to |I35.'
The first locomotive trip upou a railroad in America, is said to have
been made dnring this year npon the Carbondalo and Honesdale railroad,
extending from tlie western terminus of the Lackawaxen canal to the
Lackawanna river, and connecting the canals of the Delaware and
Hudson Canal Company with their coal mines in Lnaerne county, Penn-
sylvania, whence the first coal was sent the next year. The engine was
imported from England, where the nse of locomotives was by no means
established, and even appears to have been in some instances abandoned
ia favor of stationary engines for railways.^ The engineer was Mr.
Horatio Allen, of New York, since engineer of the New York and Erie
railroad, who made the experimental trip alone, crossing the Lackawaxen
on trestle work thirty feet high, with a curve of 355 to 400 feet radius,
and retarning in safety, contrary to the expectations of many spectators.
The engine proved afterward to be too heavy for the road. Tlie first
American patent for a locomotive engine, wa.s taken out this year, by
W. Howard, of Baltimore.
The Daily Advertiser, and several other newspapers in Boston, were
ftt this time printed on Treadwell's Power Presses, which were moved by
steam, and threw off about six hundred impressions per hour. The
newspapers of that city numbered thirty-fonr, including seven dailies,
and a weekly paper called the " American Manufacturer. " The number
of printing offices in the United States at this time, was not less than
nine hundred, an increase of 525 since 1810. The newspapers of the
whole TJnion wore estimated to consume 104,400 reams of paper yearly,
worth $500,000, and those of New York, 15,000 reams, worth four to
five dollars per ream.
(1) Evidence before n oommittee of Coo- times its ottn weight (ivhioli was not to ei-
grasB. ceed six tona), at the rata of ten milea an
(2) Enrly in this year, a deputation of the hour, and to ooet noS over £650. At the
Liverpool and Manchostor Railway Coin- trial on the Bth October, four oBglnea com-
pany, whose doubio track road, the first petod for the priao, which was given to
great experimental work of the kind id Stephenson's "Rocket," which traversed
England, was approaohing oomplation, re- the prescribedrouto, ataspeed varjingfrom
ported in favor of ilationary e^nyinee, aa a twelve to twenly-nins miles co hour, eslab.
Iractive power. But the directors, encour- listing the epoch of land loeoniotioD by
agedliytheir engioeer,Mr.George6leplian- steam, and procuring for Mr. Stephenson
son, whose opinion that a locomotive eonld tho title of the " father of the locomotivB
1 trt t d t tr el fifteen or twenty system." The first Stephenson engine im-
m 1 h was iiculed before a cum- potted into the Qnited States, was the
m ttee f P I m t and by others, de- "Robert Fulton," for the Mohawk and
d d t m k t 1 of locomotives, and Hudson Railroad in 1S31, ahont which time
ff d p ml £S00, for the licst tbeir construction commenced in this
It t draw on a lovcl throe couutry.
i.Google
1828] STRAW PAPER — PATENTS. 331
Several adilitions were about this time made m the manuNttuie of
Paper >Villiam Moigan, of MeadviUe, PeEuijlvanii, commenced at
that place on a email scale, the fiist manufaetuie of papei fium atitw
and hij, foi which he obtained a patent The paper was of a yellow
color, but strong aud smooth, and an edition of the New Testament is
said to have been printed upon it, which co&t only five cents a copy
On the 28th November, a canal boat was launched at MeadviSle, built
of mateiials growing upon the banks of French creek tlie day before,
which left for Pittsburg on the 30th, with twenty passengers and three
hundred reams of straw paper.' Machinery was also erected this year,
or the next, at Chamberaburg, Pennsylvania, for the manufacture of
paper, from straw and blue grass, to the amount of three hundred reams
daily. In September of the next year, it was made at Baltimore by
hand process. A patent was taken out by E. H. Collier of Plymouth,
Massachusetts, for making paper from sea grass (ulva marina), and by
several others for mechanical processes and machines connected with
paper making,'
An improvement in the vibrating apparatus of the Fourdrinier or
endless wire-web paper machine, was this year patented in England by
Mr. George Diclfiiisoii, and came into esteusive use.
The amount of fees received for patents, ete., by the Patent Office,
from ita organization to December 31, was $160,659.37. Among the
patents issued this year were the following :
William H. Polger, Spartansbnrg, S. C. , Feb. 13, for separating gold and
silver from earth, for which he received two other patents the nest year ;
WiSliam Magaw, Meadville, Pa., March 8, making paper, and to the
same. May 22, for making paper from hay and straw ; Eiisha H. Collier,
Plymouth, Mass., April 15, paper from sea grass ; Wra. Hoyt, Vernon,
Ind,, April 29, com sheller, reissued June 13, 1831 ; Richard Waterman
& George W, Annis, Providence, B. I., Ang. 30, making double paper
on machines, by which any number of thicknesses might be made by
pressure between rollers, etc. ; Mason Hunting, Watortown, Mass., Oct.
20, improved top press roller, for making paper (of any thickness at ona
operation);' Marsdan Haddock," New York, July It, making paper by
the iat press in sheets (by the dipping process); Bichard Mitchell and
N. Bntterworth, Troy Mass, March 23, satmett power loom; Cyrus
Darand, New York Miy 22 copper plate pnnting press. , Charles G.
Williams, Kew Yoik, Maich 29, cylindrical printing piesa , E. Bnrfc, 0.
(1) Daj's Hiatorical Ci.llo(,tiun of 1
nn
0 t a patent
m 183(1 n England, for
BjWania, pp. 2S6, 25B.
Halving piper o
f any th ,,kn»3S bj unilLng
(2) Sea Palanta.
the aurlaces of t
wo or more sheeta.
(3) John Dickinson of Nash Mills
took
i.Google
S33 PATENTS — PRESIDENT ADAMS. [1828
D. Boyd, & A. II. Boyd, Manchester, Ct., Aug. 19, power bom for
weaving check and plaid ; this loom, invented by Eev. B. Burt, was the
first American clieck loom ; William M. Johnson, New York, Ang. 21,
and George F. Peterson, Hew York, Oct. 13, easting priDters' types.
TUe machine of Mr. Johnson, secured a much sharper outline and better
face to the letter by the use of a pump to force the liquid into the
matris, and has been much improved since. Samuel S. Williams, Eos-
bury, Mans., Aug. 33, making mats from manilla and other grasses;
Charles Danforth, Eamapo, K Y., Sept. 2, bobbin and flyer; Thomas
W. Dyott, Philadelphia, Oct 10, melting and fusing glass by the use of
rosin; Allen Ward, Philadelphia, Oct. 11, triangular measure ease ruler
for garments— these instruments are still in nse we believe; Isaac
Sanford, Bloekley, Philadelphia, Oct. 11, carding, winding, and making
of hats— the model of this machine was deposited in the ofEce, and the
money paid in February, 1799, since which, the invention had Iain
dormant; Joshua Shaw, Philadelphia, Oct. 24, perenasion lock for
cannon ; H. F. West and A. P. Stevens, Eichland, N. Y., Oct. 29
mode of forming hat bodies ; William Cohurn, Gardner, Maine, Nov. 1^
estraeting tannin by steam; B. B. Howell, Philadelphia, Nov. g'
making malleable iron ; Lemuel W. Wright, London, Bngland, Dec. 6^
arranging machinery for manufaclnring wood screws. [This apparatns^
by the patentee of the pin machine, was also patented in England in
March, 182T, and an amended patent was given in September of this
year. It was somewhat complex.] William Howard, Baltimore, Dee.
10, locomotive steam engine (the first recorded in this country) •
William Woodworth, Hudson, N. Y., Dec. 21, planing, tongueing!
grooving, and cutting boards, etc., and dressing brick, or other mineral
or metallic snbstances. This patent is remarkable for the amount of
litigation arising out of it for many years after, and for having been
longer extended than any other patent, as well as for the great profits
it has yielded to its owners.
The relations of the General Government to the subject of protecting
dnties, upon which the public mind continued to be exercised to a degree
1829 ^^^^ t'li'eatened the harmony of the Union, was brought to the
notice of Congress by the last annual message of President
Adams. Having observed that the imports and exports, under whatever
tariif, had always nearly corresponded in amonut, and were both likely
to be much increased by the recent removal of the interdict against
Ataeriean breadstnffs abroad ; that the great interests of agriculture,
manufactures, and commerce, were inseparably united, and were alike
under the protecting power of the Legislature, and that taxes for revenne
,y Google
1829] THE president's messaqb. 333
should be adjusted as equally as possible, but that countervailing regu-
lations, such as the legislation of England, in cxdudiug nearly all our
great staples, except cotton, which she needed in times of scarcity, must
often bear heavily on soraOj the message proceeds:
"Is the self-protecting energy of this nation so helpless that there exists
no power to counteract the bias of this foreign legislation ? That the
growers of grain must submit to this exclusion from the foreign markets
of their produce ; and the shippers must dismantle their ships ; the trade
of the north stagnate at the wharves, and the manufactnrera starve at
their looms, while the whole people shall pay tribute to foreign industry
to be clad in a foreign garb ? That Congress is impotent to restore
the balance in favor of native industry, destroyed by the statutes of
another realm 1 More just and more generous sentiments will, I trust,
prevail,
"If the tariff adopted at the last session of Congress shall bo fonnd
by experience to bear oppressively upon the interests of any one section
of the Union, it ought to be, and I cannot donbt will be, so modified aa
to alleviate t b d T th fj t mjl tf ra yj t n
of their co 1 1 t tl p t t f th t t d th p pie,
will never t y th B t 1 th 1 ty f th f gn
shall operat ly Ij ty p th 1 m t t 1 — wh ! he
planter, and th m h t d th h i h 1 d tl h b d h 11
be fonnd th th p t 3 th I t mp d f the
protection f d m t m ft th y II t i t tl p s-
perity shard wth th I by t! f II t t tl p f s-
sions, nor denounce as violations of the Constitution the deliberate acta
of Congress, to shield from the wrongs of foreign laws the native industry
of the Union."
The strong dissatisfaction of the people of the Southern States, and
of some other portions of the Union with the tariff act of the last
session, was manifested by various measures of a public character, and
soon after the reassembling of Congress, several earnest remonstrances
were presented to the Senate on the subject from legislative and other
bodies. At the suggestion of Governor Forsyth, who, in his message
of Nov. 4, advised the people of the state to substitute as far as possi-
ble, their own household manufactures for those of Europe and the
Northern and Eastern States, the Legislature of Georgia, on the 10th
December, adopted a solemn protest against the recent act, and demanded
its repeal, as fraudulent, oppressive, partial, unjust, and a perversion of
the powers of Congress, which was presented to the Senate on the 12th
Januaiy, for the purpose of being preserved among the archives of that
body. On the 12th February, the Legislature of South Carolina pro-
,y Google
334
i SOUTH PHOT EST
[1829
Eented, through Messrs. Smith and Hayne, the protest againat the act as
unconstitutional, oppressive, and unjust, but declaring their anxiona
" desire to live in peace with their brethren, to do all that in them lies
to preserve and perpetuate the Union of the States and the liberties of
which it is the surest pledge."
A committee of the Assembly of Virginia, acting upon the resolutions
of Georgia and South Carolina, also reported, on 21st Pebrnary, a series
of resolutions, which were adopted, condemnatory of the tariff as a vio-
lation of constitutional authority; and, on the 38th, a protest of the
Alabama Legislature, to the same effect, was read in the Senate of the
United States. North Carolina also entered her protest. The remon-
strances from Georgia and Alabama, claimed the right of resistance to
acts which transcended the legislative powere of Congress, and tres-
passQcl upon the reserved rights of the States.' A meeting of merchants
and others of Boston, opposed to the tariff, also adopted, on 13th Jan-
(1) Much language of an inflammiitory tieir tariff or dissolro their Union." This
nature wbs about tbis time used in public led to a oortespondenoa lylih the leading
opponents of iba net in tbia lonntrr, and
laid ths fouDdation of snllifioation in Sonlh
Cnroiiaa, whioh tasultod in tha compromlsa
tariff of 1S33.
over." A meeting in St. John's Parish,
S. C, declared, " We bavB snorn that Con.
gresa shall at our demand repeal tha tariff.
If she does not, our Slate Legislature will
Inc.
I of the .
^tlte
t baboo
stand by bia arma, and to keep the balla of
our Legislature pnro from foreignjnttuders."
That the tariff acts "ought not to be aub-
mitted to," and that ■' the adheaion of the
State of South Carolina to the Union, sbnll
depend opon the RDcoadltlonal repeal of the
tariff laws of 181B, 182i, and 1S2S, so fat
as they
e*
nse doctrines'
■totbeS.
outbem people, and
means of
a lengthy oiroular,
to
organize a '
'sooiotj .
of Political Heono-
istfi" foe the
diffnaioB
1 of what he con-
Bii
iered sounder
viewa 0
f the principles of
protection, in
the bop
0 of allaying the
fei
Bt with support, ho
fin
aliy abanflut
led tlie 1
th
e cause aljout
tbia time, and devoted hie
n-glof.
consti- bio objects, in which he was always promi-
This is nent.
DosOng, With the comraenoeHient of this year.
Mr. Condy Raguct issued the
"Pri
se Trade
another occasion. " It ia the resolute Toioo
Advocate," a montlily journa
.1 de
voted to
of despair. It is nselesa to disgaise matters.
the support of Free Trade prin
ciple
a, adopt-
or to shut our eyes upon the possible (must
ing as bis motto tha answer o
f the
. Freneh
minister Colbert " Zaiiiez no,,.
'/<■!*
<-e," "let
spirit spread! over the South-and what can
ns alone," which was the favoi
■iteir
prevent it?— oivil war miut follow, and the
the anti-tariff party. The A(
ivoct
Lte. after
bends of tlie Union are broken."
the appearance of two volume!
!, was merRBd
Mr. George Canning, while prime minia.
in the "Banner of the Con
stitu
tion," a
lcr,iE acid also to have declared that "he
semi-weekly paper under the a
ame
editorial
wonld maie the people of America feduoe
management.
i.Google
1829] LEAD — SALT — EimiADEIPHTA. S35
Tiary, resolutions cledaring the acts partial, oppressive, and contrary to
the Bpirit of tlie Constitution, and a momorial to Congress on the
subject.
An a«t was passed, January 2l8t, allowing an additiona! drawback of
five cents a pound on sugar refined in the United States when exported
therefrom.
Acts of the 3d March authorized the President of the United States
to cause the reserved salt springs in tlio State of Missouri, and the
reserved lead mines in the same state to be exposed to public sale, as
other lands. The lead mines had been workeii for many years im-
perfectly, with but little public benefit, but the act did not apply to the
mines of the upper Mississippi, which had been worked since 1T20.
A report made to the Kcw York Legislature, February 19, recom-
mending a bounty on domestic salt, stated that the supply of brine at
the Salina springs was inexhaustible, and the strongest iu the United
States, making fifty-six pounds of salt to every forty-five gallons. Salt
was made at Salina at a fair profit of twelve and a half cents per bushel
of fifty-six pounds. The state duty was twelve and a half cents, freight
and toll to Albany nine cents, and transportation thence to New York
four cents, which, with two cents allowed for waste, made it cost in New
York forty cents a bushel. St. Ubes salt was about thirty-five cents
per bushel.
The capital employed in the manufacture of salt in the United States
was estimated to be $6,964,9S8, and the product 4,44i,939 bushels.
The quantity imported during tlie fiscal year was 5,945, 5i7. England,
the British West Indies, and Portugal, were the principal sources of
supply. K. y W t Fl 1 h m t tl ttl m t th
Union, be m b t th w f 1 m t pply th
ponds yield }, th y b t f t! 1 1 h 1
A deer f th L b t P d t f th R [ bl f C 1 mb t
Quito, datlMyS pdfpp f tffflt
on import Ih Imtjlbyf ytl fpt
from the U t d St t
A deer fthM g nitItdM2plltl d
the penalty f fit tl p t t t tl t p hi fig
list of ra d f t 1 t 1 Id m y f th 1 d g
products fAm m ft
At a m t f th tt m f t f PI 1 1 Ipl SI
Febraary It w ditdt t!Ih pt
bouses fo 11 1 f th g d d t d t 1 1 1 bl
auction, a 1 t 1 t 1 th j b i 1 1
,y Google
1 PACTOEIES. [1829
injurioua to the interests of Manufacturer, worLman, dealer, and
coDsumer.
The Boston Daily Advertiser, of the 2A March, gave tha names of
twelva cotton factories destroyed by fire within one hundred and fifty
miles of that city, since the first of January, involving a total loss in six
of them of $216,500, and the insurance amounting to 142,500. Tho
burning of the Byram and Phillipsburg factories, in Pennsylvania, about
this time, increased the loss to |321,600.
An unusual degree of distress prevailed at this time among the mann-
facturera of New Englanil, particularly in the cottou branch, prodncing
numerous failures and great depreciation of tJie value of stoeka. The
eanae was by some ascribed to the disappearance of specie, and by others
to over-speculation, which had tempted great numbers into manufac-
turing, with iiisufQcient capitals, and a eonseqnent over-production.
The number of incorporated manufactories in Massac !iu setts at this
date was stated at two hundred and thirty-five. A large proportion of
them manufactured cotton, wool, and iron ; but there were also incor-
porated companies for the manufacture of gla&s, hair, leather, wire, files,
lead, duck, pins, soapstone, cordage, salt, calico, brass, copper, lace
umbrellas, linen, hose, ale, beer, type, cotton, cards, gins, glass bottles,
lead pipe, etc.
The State of Ehode Island contained one hundred and thirty-nine
cotton factories. The towns of Warwick and Smithfield had each twenty
iioolen and twenty cottoa factoncs, The use of Turkey red in calico
prmting which had long given the French an advantage over English
and American punts was this year saccessfully introduced by the manu-
tietureis of LowpII Afire department was : also established in that
town and the Lowell Institution foi savings was incorporated.
About twelve thousind pieces of calico were this year made at the
new print woiks of Jlr Marshall near Hudson, Jfew York. A new
establishment al<(0 went into opeiation at Baltimore, for weaving stuffs
tor calicoes having one hundred power looms driven by steam, making
fifteen thousand yards weekly
On the 26th March the comer stone of a factory was laid at Athens,
Georgia, which was about the commencement of manufactures in that
state since the war. The building was burned soon after, but was
rebuilt.
About five hundred bales of cotton were this year grown in Texas.
The town of Lynn, in Massachusetts, had a population of over five
thousand, chiefly supported by its shoe manufactures, the product of
whicli was estimated at 1,200,000 to 1,400,000 pairs of shoes annually,
at an average value of seventy-five cents each, or $1,000,000. The
,y Google
1829] PAPER MILLS — PATEE80N — HTTSBTJRa. 33Y
feiinki uf tlip tJiyn earned moie than $60,000 annually by binding and
oimineutiug Laige quantities of low-priced fancy slioos were exported
to South AmeiiGH and sold at a piofit. Abont sixty tons of chocolate
Tieie annually made by a factory at Lynn.
The pa|Ki miila m Ma=isichusetta, in Wovember, numbered sixty, in
SIX of whiLh maclimery nm used They consumed seventeen hundred
tons of rig^! jiink etc and made paper to the value of $'{00,000 per
annum The entire papet mmufacture of the United States was
estimated to »mDunt to the yeiily value of over $6,000,000, and to
employ npwiid of ten thou sin d peisons. Large quantities of rags were
impoitudfiom Uermany and Italy Several improvements were patented
in the manufacture of stiaw and other paper, inclnding an improvement
in the cjJmdei machine by Isaac Sanderson, of Milton, Massachusetts,
by whidi greater equality of btiength in machine-made paper was
secured Stian paper began to be somewhat extensively used for
wrapping in Philadelphia It was also nsed in printing Jfiies's Weekly
Registei which hid an extensive circulation; being regarded as the
lieat And cl e^pest papei then made for that purpose. It was principally
made at Chambersbuig by michinery, and cost less than two dollars
pei rtim impeiialsize
Tbe town of Pateraon, New Jersey, contained 1,033 inhabitants, and
had four machine shops, one of which, Goodwin, Rogers & Company,
made, in the last year, 15,048 spindles with all the necessary accom-
paniments, worth, at twelve dollars each, $180,576, in addition to
1,020,000 pounds of iron, and 36,000 pounds of brass castings, made in
a foundry connected with it. A rolling and slitting mill and nail factory
made 613,000 pounds of nails. There were seventeen cotton factories,
-with 32,000 spindles, of which fourteen factories and 27,619spind!e3 were
in operation, and worked up 2,179,600 pounds of cotton into I,2U,450
pounds of yam, 150,000 yards of cotton duck, and 1,861,450 yards of
other cotton cloth annually. In the town were four hundred and eighty-
seven hand and power boms, and 83,965 cotton and flas spindles.
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, contained eight rolling mills, employing
three hundred hands, and using six thousand tons of blooms, chieflv
Juniata, and fifteen hundred tons of pig iron. A nail factory employed
one hundred and fifty hands, and made eighteen tons of nails. There
were seven steam engine factories, with two hundred and ten hands,
which had made several engines for the northern lakes, a few to go east
of the mountains, and one to Mexico. Within two or three years the
casting of sugar kettles, sugar mills, and small steam engines for the
planters of Louisiana, had become an important branch of industry.
The plow factory was estaUishod this year by Samuel Hall. In October,
,y Google
S38 PENKNIVES NEW YORK INSTITUTE. [1829
the raeclianics and artizans of the town bore public testimony to tlie
(iscellenee of tlie Eles made bj Broadmeadow & Co., wlio had recently
established a large manufacture of files and rasps, from steel of their own
malce, and of finished worltmanship. Some penkaivea were also made
there.
The manufacture of penknives and pocliet knives, articles almost
exclusively imported up to this time, was commenced somewhat ex-
tensively at Worcester, Massachusetts, by Moses L. Morse & Co., the
former of whom had invented a pin machine several years before, and
superintended the business. Tlie seveval parts of the linife were made
by machinery, and each by appropriate seta of workmen, with such
success as to be with diflculty distinguished from Eng'hsh cutlery. Two
other cutlery establishments were commenced in the vicinity within two
years after. Superior table knives and forks were made at Phila-
delphia.
The Lemnos factory for the manafactnre of edge tools in almost every
variety was about this time established in the borough of Charahersbnrg,
Pennsylvania, by Messrs. James Dunlop and George A. Madeira, by
whom an axe and hatchet, of snperior quality, were presented to
President Jackson, in April of the next year. The hardware and cutlery
inanufaetare received a, considerable estension about this time.
The aggregate valae of goods sold at the sixth semi-annual sale of
the K"ew England Society at Boston, in March of tiiis year, was
estimated at $1,300,000.
On the 2d May, the "American Institute, of the city of New Tork,
for the purpose of encouraging and promoting domestic industry in this
state and the United States, in agriculture, commerce, manufactures, and
the arts," was incorporated by the Legislature, With purposes similar
to those of the " Conservatory of Arts and Trades" in Paris, and the
"^National Repository" in London, it aimed to promote its objects by
an annual exhibition of machinery, manufactures, etc., by awarding pre-
miums, by the formation of a repository of models, and a library of books
relating to agriculture and the arts, and was empowered to liold property
yielding an income of thirty thousand dollars per annum. T!ie first
annual fair of the Institute was held at Castle Garden, in November,
when preminras were awarded for the following articles of domestic
manufacture. For broadcloths, cassimeres, etc., twelve premiums;,
manufactures of cotton nine, of iron six, of .glass fottr, hats three,
pianos four, paper seven, books and printing four, stoneware six, hemp
and flax three, leather four, ladies' apparel six, machinery three, miscel-
laneous articles thirty- seven. ThePhfenixmillof Mr. Colt, of Paterson,
New Jersey, received the premium for the best article of cotton bagging,
,y Google
1839] VIEGINIA CAETET FACTORIES— PIANOS— SIIK. 339
Which was m d f S a I land cotton, and excited ranch cnriosity. The
exhibition f m t t , at the Franjihn Imtltnte this jear exceeded
any previo n s n pies of osnahnrgs bagging and negro cloth were
exhibited by tl S th C 'olina Mannfactnring Company of Darlington,
the last of hi Mb retailed at twelve and a half cent! per yard.
A large 1 tl m ft ry, and a carpet factory, was at this time in
operation I M t 1 g Tirginia, both of which prodnced fabrics of
boantifnl p tt n 1 llent quality. Eclt carpeting was made this
year at CatsliU, Iv ew 1 ork, and was considered durable and cheap A
flannel factory was established at Barnet, Vermont, by water power,
capable of finishing three thousand yards weekly, from which the first
bales were on a team to Boston on 13th October. It belonged to l»r.
Henry Stevens.
The mannfactnro of damask table linen was commenced at Philadelphia
m December by Hamilton Stewart, who made some very elegant
p tterns
It was estmated that twenty-livo hundred Piano Fortes of the
aggregate value of 1150,000, were made this year in the United States
of w) cl n ne 1 undrcd were made in Philadelphia, eight hundred in
N V lo U even linndreii and seyaiteen in Boston, and a considerable
a mbe Bait mo 'e.
Ha Isonic slk ribbons, in great variety, were mauufactored in
Bale e fon Anoricansilt. Silktothe value oftwenty-fivo thousand
loha s a m de at Mansfield, Connecticut, chielly by women and
c llreu II oh St attempt in the United States to manufacture sewing
sdk 1 T mach e y was made at Mansfield this year, b, Captain Joseph
Conaut nftc ward of the firm of Oonant * Smith, Northampton, Massa-
chu et s and M Atwood, subsequently of the firm of Atwood * Orane
■Mansfield by horn the business was continued. After many losses and
dscon gementa they succeeded in making a good article. Silk pocket
1 andkc h efs by Mr. Biyant, and other silk goods by James Reed, were
exh b ted at th American Institute fair. A powerful interest in tlie
s Ik culture wa excited by some essays and experiments on American
s Ik I 1 1 1 ed n Jnly of this year, at the suggestion of John Taughan,
Esq by Mr D Ho lergue, a practical silk manufacturer, of Marseilles
who had been invited to the United States by the American Silk Society
in Philadelphia He advocated, iu conjunction with P. S. Duponccau
Esq., a filature system as the only elecrivc means of promoting the silk
culture, and their efforts were followed by the introduction, soon after
in Congress, of the famous silk bill, which was ultimately defeated an
expenment.1 filature having, in the mean time, been started in Phila-
delphia by them, in 1 830.
i.Google
TIN — GOLD—
Tliere were at this date two watch crystal manufactories in the
United States, one at Boston and one -at Pittsbarg, Pennsykania.
Watch glasses were also made to some extent in the glass factories at
Jersey City, New Jersey.
Tin was this year discovered by Professor Hitchcock, of Amherst,
Massachusetts, at Goshen, in Connectient, being the first discovery of
tin in the United States. It consisted of a single crystal of oside of tin
(casaiterite, or tin stone), weighing fifty grains, contained in granite.
It has been since found in small quantities in different places by Professors
Sheppard, Rogers, and others.
Specimens of gold, weighing ten pounds, four potincls, and others of
less weight, were discovered in Anson county, North Carolina. The
first gold received at the mint from Virginia, was deposited this year to
the value of $2,500 ; and the first from Sonth Carolina, to the value of
$3,500. The first from Georgia was sent the next year to the amount
of S3I2,O0O. A map of the gold region of North Carolina, published
by Professor Mitchell, indicated nine different mining localities in that
state, three in the " primary," and six in the " transitive, or sJate" rocks.
A furnace was erected at Strafford, Vermont, for smelting copper
pyrites, which occur there with salpliuret of iron, being employed there
iu the manafacturo of copperas, which was made at this time to the
amount of ten thousand tons annually, the works having been extended
iu the last year.
The manufacture of bricks by machinery was successfully commenced
in New York, The machines made twenty-five thousand bricks per
diem of twelve hours, ready for the fire as soon as they left the machine.
They sold readily at five dollars to eight dollars per thousand. The
Salamander Fire-brick Works, at Albany, was established at this date
by Jacob Henry ; and Mr. Berry and others of Baltimore, were so
successful about this time in the manufacture of fire hricks as to stop
the importation.
At the Springfield Armory, in Massachusetts, the arms, etc., mana-
faetnred since 1195 to December 31st, amounted to 396,982 muskets,
250 rifles, 1,000 pistols, 1,203 carbines, 12,840 ball screws, 93,631 wipers,
139,100 screw-drivers, 13,T20 sprig vices, 1,936 sets of verifying instru-
ments for muskets, 2,890 arm chests, and 46,545 muskets repaired.
The expenditure, including pay of officers and workmen, had been
$3, 7 00, 55 9. T 6. The cost of each musket, exclusive of repairs, improve-
ments, machinery, etc., for 1829, would ije about $10.66, a reduction of
$1.68 since 1815.
The number of steamboats built on the western rivers since 1811 was
,y Google
'"^"J PATENTS IN 1829. 341
thre. linndvod mij twenty-one, of wbioh one hnndred and eightj-eiglt
PArKNa«.-WilIi,n. Delit, East H.rtlopd, Conn., Jan. 13, machine for
cleaning r.g, for p.per ; John C. Elj, New York, Jan. as, screw dock :
John Gonldmg, Dodham, Mass., two patents, dated Feb. 16, and two
others Jnne 11 and Jnlj 21, for mannfaotnnng wool; G H Bnrgta
Philadelphia, April 3, nse of lo, from soap as a finx for glass ; S Bed'
with, S. Beckwith jr., and E. Beekwith, Jan. 21, machine for making
shoe pegs; Joseph Soiten, Philaiielphla, April u, improvement in
ovet.pointed pencil oases, and William Jackson, Philadelphia, July 21,
a Ehde instead of a screw in ever-pointed pencil cases ; S G Reynolds
Bristol, E. I., April 13, machine for making aali, and rivets.' This was
for making wronght iron nails, etc., by machieery, almost as cheaply as
cast iron nads. Isaac Sanderson, Milton, Mass., April IS cyhndrical
machine for paper making ; Amasa Stone, Providence, E. I., April 30
improved power loom ; John W. Cooper, Washington, Pa., Feb. 7'
Whilenmg straw and rags for paper making; E. Pairchild, Tmmbnili
Conn., May 4, agitator in paper making; Kathan Leonard, Merrimac^
N. H., June U, machine for pegging boots and shoos; Frederick B
Merrill, Buffalo, K. Y., Jma 13, chandelier of crystalll.od salt; John
Arnold, Norwalk, Conn., Jnly 15, forming the web of cloth without
spmmns or weaving ; Eouben Wood, Erin, N. Y., Aug. 25, dyeing by
steam ; E. g. Tilden, Lynchburg, Ta., Sept. 10, covering roofs with tin •
Henry Korn, Philadelphia, Sept. 12, «y note for horses, two patents
reissued in 1834 and 1836; J. Byn.,, J. Haskius, and S. Knower
Boston, Sept. 23, porpetuai polished water proof boots and shoos ■
Daniel Baldwin, Ithaca, N. Y, scalding and napping hats; Anthony
Doohttle, Ann Arbor, Michigan Territory, Hov. 10, distilling maize ■
David IL Mason and M. W. Baldwin, Philadelphia, Deo 2 Bra-
mah's hydrostatic press; William H. Bell, Portress Monroe, Ta
Doc. 8, elevating cannon. This patent was purchased by the irnlted
Stales government in 1836. John Thorp, Providence E I Dec 22
weaving narrow stnfTs, ,nch a, ribbons, webbing, tapes, ferrets, girthings'
chaise lace, fnnges, etc., without the use of shuttles. '
The number of patents in force in England at this date was 1 855 of
which 152 wore granted in 1828. Patents had to be taken 'out
separately for England, Scotland, and Ireland, aud the aggregate cost
• as *1,66«, while in the United States it was only thirty dollars
i.Google
CHAPTER y.
ANNALS OF MANUFACTOBES,
1830—1840.
The attention of Congress was once more called to the subject of the
Tariff, which continued to be violently discassecl by the opponents of the
late act. President Jackson, in his first annual message to the
^°^*^ twenty-first Congress, at its first session, December 8th, 1839,
made the following remarks :
" To regulate its .eondnot so as to promote equally the prosperity of
these three cardinal interests (agriculture, commerce, and manufactures),
is one of the most difficult tasks of goTernment ; and it may be regretted
that the contemplated restrictions which now embarrass the intercourse
of nations, could not by common consent be aboliahed and commerce
allowed to flow in those channels to which individual enterprise, always
its surest guide, might direct it. Bat we must ever expect selfish legis-
lation in other nations, and are therefore compelled to adapt our own to
their regulations, in the manner best calculated to avoid serious injury,
and to harmonize the conflicting interests of our agriculture, onr com-
merce, and our manufactures. "Under these impressions I invite your
attention to the existing tariff, believiag that some of its provisions
require modification. The general rnle to be applied in graduating the
duties upon the articles of foreign growth or mannfacture, is that which
will place our own in fair competition with those of other countries ; and
the inducements to advance even a step beyond this point, are controlling
in regard to those articles which are of primary necessity in time of
The committee to which this part of the message was referred, reported
against the expediency of any alteration of the tariff, bat Mr. Cam-
breleng, from the Committee of Commerce and Navigation, on the 8th
February, made a lengthy report, which was printed, recommending a
modification of the existing tariff and revenue laws as Incongruous and
absurd in their provisions. On the 30th April, he introduced a bill to
amend the navigation laws so as to secure a reciprocity of trade, at a
uniform duty of thirty per cent, upon imports from such nations as would
,y Google
1830] ALTERATION IN THE TARUF. 343
admit American prodncts on like terms. The bill did not prevail, and
another introduced in the Senate, bj Mr. Benton, on the 23d of the same
mouth, was also laid on the table on motion of Mr. Webster, and never
taken up. The latter was entitled "A bill for the abolition of unneces-
sary duties, to relieve the people from sixteen millions of taxes, and to
improve the condition of the Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce,
of the United States," and provided for the repeal or the redaction of
the existing duties on the principal imports, in favor of snch nations as
would reciprocate by treaty, and laid a duty of thirty-three and one
third per cent, on furs and raw hides imported.
A bill introduced early in the session, by Mr. Mallory, from the Com-
mittee on Mauafactures, in alteration of the several acts laying duties on
imports, providing for the more efTeetual collection of the duties, and to
prevent evasions of the revenue, became the subject of earnest discussion,
upon the presentation of a new bill by way of amendment, by Mr.
McDnfSe of South Carolina, The substitute, which was rejected, pro-
posed to repeal the acts of 1824 and 1838, so -far as they imposed
increased duties on woolens, iron, hemp, flax, cotton bagging, molasses,
indigo, and manufactures of cotton — and to reduce the duty on salt to ten
cents a bushel. Mr. McDuffie entered into a protracted discussion of
the whole policy of protecting duties, designed to show their pernicious
effects upon the various interests of the country, and particularly upon
the South, which he represented to be suffering extremely from that
cause: He repudiated with much severity of language, a constitutional
right in the majority to govern, and was supported by Mr. Blair of the
same_state, who, also spoke in strong language, and declared that the
time was at hand, when the rights and interests of his state, in common
with those of the South, must be respected, or she would seek a remedy
herself. The bill, after receiving several amendments, and the support
of Messrs. Crawford of Pennsylvania, Everett of Massachusetts, Burgess
of Rhode Island, and others, who spoke of the prostrate condition of
New England manufactures, passed on 13th May, by a vote of one
hundred and twenty-seven to forty.
On the 20th May an act was approved, reducing the duty on coffee,
tea, and cocoa ; and on the 29th, the duty on molasses was reduced to
six cents a gallon, and a drawback allowed of four cents a gallon on
spirits distilled from foreign molasses. An act, of the same date, reduced
the duty on salt to fifteen cents a bushel until 31st December, and to tea
cents thereafter.
In the discussion of these measures, and the question of internal im-
provements, in Congress and by the leading journals of the South, to
which Dr. Cooper of Columbia College, South Carolina, was a promi-
,y Google
34i HTJLLrriCATION — BOLTON— SILK. [1830
aent contributor, the doctrine of state Eovereignity, and of the right of
the local governments to annul any act of Congress, whicb a. state might
deem an encroachment upon its reserved rights, began to be distinctly
asserted, particularly by the people of South Carolina. The right of
Nulhflcation, therefore, became the issue, in the great debate in the
Senate, ia January, between Mr. Hajne of South Carohna, and Mr.
Webster of Massacliusetts, npon the resolution of Mr. Foot, to limit the
sale of pnblic knds. Eesolutions affirming the constitutionality of the
tariff act of 1828, were adopted by the Legislatures of Vermont, Dela-
ware, Louisiana, and perhaps others.
By an act approved May 31, the tonnage duties on ships and vessels
of the United States, and of such nations as had abolished their discrimi-
nating and CO nnter vailing duties were repealed.
A bill before the Senate to recompense the heirs of Robert Fulton by
the grant of a township of land, in consideration of the benefits rendered
by him to the country, was rejected upon constitutional grounds.
Mr. Spencer, from the Committee on Agricultnre, on 12th March, made
a report accomp^nled by a bill to promote the growth and manufacture
of silL m the IJnited States Ihe report, based upon the essays, and
other information fuini&lied hy Mi John D'Homergue, the son of an
eminent silk macufactnrei of Nismes, assisted by Mr. P. S. Duponeeau,
tended to estabhah the fact that American silk worms were more pro-
ductive of silk than those of any other country,' but that the mannfac-
tuied silk of tho country was infensr, for want of practical knowledge
and suitable mirhines for reeling whereby it was rendered unlit for the
finei fibncs , that every state was alapted to the cultivation of mulber-
ries and tho piodnction of '!ilk and that if the culture were zealously
prosecuted the laige impoitations of foreign silk, amounting in the last
yeat to eight and one half radlions would be compensated by the export
of raw bilk and the manufacture of silk stuffs be necessarily introduced,
The bill diawn up at the leqnest cf the committee, by Mr, Duponceaa,
alter eonsultatio i with Mr D Homergue, proposed to devote forty
thousand dollaia to the estibliohment of a normal filature at or near
Philadelphia undei the ihaige of the latter, whose departure from the
(I) The prooeeitinga of Che Chamber ot and it would produce singles of fifty, organ-
Commeroe at Ljons, puhliahed early in tha zine of thirty-two, and trato of wool and
yaar, in relation U> AmeriQon silk, atata eilk of thirty duta, a quality estroniely rare
that aaampla of tilk,reelcdin PMladelpMa In our country. Amoriean silk is fine,
by Mf. D'Homergue, was assajad by a DBrrouB. good, regular, clean, of a fine aolor;
sworn and licensed aesayer, and wos de- in short, it unites all the qnalities that can
dared to be of an extraordinary quality and be wished for. Its ralue was estimated at
admirably adapted to the uses of fabrication, twenty-sis francs (five dollars) a pound.
Its degree of fineness was siateen deniers.
,y Google
1330] SILK— CANALS AND KAILKOAHS. 345
country the conimittee thought would be a national misfortune, and he
was to be required to instruct gratuitously sixty young men in the art
of reeling silk and preparing it for exportation, so as to become after-
ward directors of filatures, and at least twenty women, who were to be
paid for their labor. The balance of the appropriation, after deducting
esiiensos, and the materials, were at the end of two years to be the
property of Mr. D'Homergue. No opportnnity was found to discuss
the bill during this and the following session, and it was lost in the
next.
Aa experimental filature, with ten reels and twenty women, was,
however, pnt in operation in Philadelphia during this year, by Mr.'
Duponceau, under the charge of Mr. D'Homergue, who was a skillful
reeler. Two banners of Pennsylvania silk, of light but beautiful texture,
each twelve feet long and six feet wide, were woven by the latter for
Mr. Duponceau, and having been dyed by some Germans in the city, were
exhibited with some smaller articles, as cravats, handkerchiefs, etc., at
the Fair of the Franklin Institute, and at the ensuing sessions were pre-
sented, one to Congress and the other to the Legislature of Pennsykania,
and received with appropriate acknowledgments.
Mr. Eapp of Economy, FennsjIyaDia, who commenced thG silk culture
in 1828, and made from liis first crop fifteen or eighteen yards of striped
silk for female apparel and vestings; also made during the last year
some black figured silk vestings, and one hundred black silk hand-
kerchiefs, the firet ever made west of the mountains, and wholly the
product of his Society from the worm to the looms. Spirited efforts
began to be made in nearly every part of the country, to produce raw
silk for exportation. The " silk mania" may be said to have commenced
at this date.
lu accordance with an act of 29th May, the President issued a pro-
clamation on 5th October, opening to British vessels the trade between
the British colonial possessions and the American ports, having received
satisfactory assurance that the colonial ports of Great Britain in the
West indies, South America, the Bahama and Bermuda Islands, would
be opened to American vessels, which was accordingly done by an order
in council, dated Nov. 5th,
It was estimated that there were at this time completed within the
United States, 1343 miles of canals and other artificial navigation ; 1828
miles in progress, and 408 projected. Of railroads, forty-four' miles
were completed, 422 in progress, and 697 projected. A valuable im-
provement in Western navigation, was the opening of the Louisville and
Portland canal, around the Palls of the Ohio, on the 5th December at
a cost of $160,000.
,y Google
3-16 nrsT i.oroyoTi"v Es — ommet l'— sdoar mills. £1830
The first locomotive constructed iii the United States, is said to have
been built this yeir it the West Point Foundiy in New York. It was
iiamed tlie Phcenix ' and wis bu It foi the South Carolina itailroad,
foi will h a second engine tailed the West Point," was built at the
same plate dunng the jeai A th id one, "the Dewitt Clinton, was
constiucted theie in the follow ng Spiing for the Mohawk and Hudson
radioad winch aboat the 'iame time imported the first Stephenson
locomotive iftemaiil lebuilt an 1 called the "John Bull.'" A model
locomotive engine was built this leai lor the proprietor of Peale's
Museum in Philadelphia by Mr M W Baldwin, and attracted much
attention during the next year by its performance with a train of loaded
passenger caia A rotaiy steam engine for propellhig carriages on
raihoids was patented thii, lear and cshibited by Mr. Ezra Child of
Philadelphia and recommended by Mi Jones, editor of the Franklin
Jouinal
A new branch of the Caniage Manufacture was ab ut this date intro
tiuced hy tl e oonstrnction of the fir t Omnibus in New Ytrl. Daring
the next jear Mi John Stephens n commenced the business on Broad
way wheie 1 e tiailt his first ommijus and the second in that cify He
has sini'e been exteusivelj knoHn in connection with thia branch of the
trade recently superseded in oui pniicipal cities by the introduction of
hor e inihoads
The minulicture of sugar mills fcr Louisiana and the West Indies
hal lecome an important business at Cincinnati anl Pittsbnrg In
additi in to cotton woolen and other machinery one handled and fifty
steam engires and fifty sugii mills were lindt this yeai at tie former
place and oi e hundred steam engines at Pittsbuig Tive rolling and
three slitting mi!l& had been eiected in Pitttbutg in fhp last two years
and of the iron made theie in the same time six hnn lie 1 tons weie con
veited mt) otl er articles befoie leaving the city The iron rolled this
yearn as 9 283 tons
The numi ei of iron woiks Imilt in the state m the ten years ending
Janaaiv 1 was fotty nine of which thirty were blooming foiges and
rolling mills one a mineral ' and sixteen charcoal blast furnaces The
whole number of lion fuinacei in tte United States was estimated at
202 and their pro]uct ISTOI'i tons of pig uon aid 1^,273 tons of
castings : total, 155,348. In east Jersey, in a part of Connecticut, in a
large district of New Yorir, and in Vermont bar iron was extensively
made, by the process technically denominated blooming only a single
operaRon from the ore, without the intervention of tho blast furnace.
Bd NaTigffition
i.Google
1830] IRON— LOWELL — FALL KIVER— PROVIDENCE. 3iT
The total amount of iroa made in the United States, was estimated as
foUows : bar iron made, 112,866 tons ; bar iron castings, etc., estimated
as i)ig iron, 191,536 tons, value |13,329,760; men employed, 39,254;
persons subsisted, 146,3T3; annual wages, $8,T76,420; paid for food
furnished by farmers, $4,000,490. The average price of hammered iron
was $96.66| per ton ; and of castings, sixty dollars, though ranch sold
liigber ; aud from the air furnace and cnpola at four and one half cents
a pound. The annual consumption of bar iron was abont 130,00T. The
quantity of iron annually imported was about 33,986 tons."
The value of domestic manufacturers exported this year was $5,320,980,
ivliich was a little below the average of the last five years. It included
cotton manufactures to the valae of $1,318,183, viz. : white piece goods,
$964,196 ; printed goods, $61,800 ; Wanlieeo, a new manufacture, $1,093 ;
twist and yarn, |34,144 ; all others, $266,350.
The cotton goods manufactured this year were estimated at 250,000,000
yards, including every kind, and worth, at ten cents a yard, $25,000,000.
Pour additional manufacturing companies were chartered in Massaehu-
eetts, to carry on the cotton manufacture at Lowell, viz. : the Middlesex
Company, Suffolk Manufacturing Company, Tremont Mills, and Law-
Ttiuce Manufacturing Company. The reduction in the price of water
privileges, caused by the financial revulsion of the last year, which pros-
trated many cotton manufacturers in England, and those of slender capital
in the United States, induced Messrs. Amos and Abbott Lawrence to
enter largely into the business, in connection with the corporations above
mentioned. The Boston and LoweU railroad was also incorporated aud
opened in 1835, and the town (now city) hall was built. The population
of Lowell was 6,411, and six daily and one tri-weekly stage ran between
it and Boston, The merchandise passing to and from Boston, for the
corpoi-ations alone, amounted to ten thousand tons annually. The
average price of Merrimac prints was 16.36 cents per yard, a reduction
of 6.11 cents since 1836.
The manufacturing town of Pall River had increased in population,
from 1,594 iu 1820, to 4,259, and contained 20,351 cotton spindles, and
515 looms, making 100,105 yards of cloth weekly, a large calico printing
establishment, rolling mill, and nail factory, a large woolen establishment,
etc. The Exeter (N. H.) Cotton Factory went into operation in March,
with a capital of $200,000, and 5000 spindles and 115 looms, employing
256 operators.
Cotton bagging of good quahty was made in Providence, Rhode
Island, from the waste of the factory. It was strong and heavy,
weighing one and three quarter pounds to the yard, or one quarter
O-j Ksport of tlio Now I'oik Cimvontion uf the Friends of Doraostie Iudus(rj, 1831.
,y Google
348 HOSIERY — STRAW BONNETS — BUTTONS. [1830
pound more than the best hemp bagging', and wa.ii sold at eighteen cfiiits
a yard.
The maiiufa^tnre of cotton bagging, etc., by steam power, was com-
menced this year at Newburyport, Massachusetts, which contained the
only stocking factory of any size then in the conntry. The latter,
recently established by the Newburyport Hosiery Manufacturing Com-
pany, contained a niiniber of looms worlied by females, at each of which,
about twenty stockings were made daily by one person. The hosiery
was of every variety — wool, lamb's wool, worsted, and cotton, and sue-
cessfal attempts had been made with silk. The articles being deemed
superior to English hose, were in great demand.
The mannTacture of Hats and Bonnets of straw was a prosperoos
business in New England, where it had greatly extended within a few
years. The animal manufacture of these articles in the United States,
was estimated at more than one and a half millions. They were made
in large quantities from rye straw by the females of Boxford, in Massa-
chusetts, whose bonnets were sold in the cities as English bonnets, at ten
to fourteen dollars each, the cost being only two or three. The maohine in
general use at this time, for pressing straw hats, consisted of three blocks,
with a lever and pressing flat attached to ea«h, and the rim, crown and
top were pressed by hand at three separate operations, by being removea
snccessively from one to the other. Several improved machines were
introduced within a few years after.
The doihestic manufacture of Lace was estimated to be worth at least
half a million dollars, and Artificial Flowers were made in many towns
and villages of the country, a large proportion of those on sale being
of American manufacture.
Nearly every description of Carpeting made in Europe, was at this
time produced in the "United States, of a quality nearly equal to the
imported, and supplied much of the demand.
Gloves and Mittens of buckskin, to the value of $130,000, were
annnally made in Johnstown, New York, where the business was com-
menced many years before and is now extenive.
Many art li's of ha dware and the finer manufactures of metals,
began to be ). od ed at I s t me in co derable quantity. Upwards
of forty trad nj, I ou e n Ph ladelph e e supphed with gilt Buttons
from the facto y ot M Pol nson at Attieboroagh, Massachusetts, in
which the labo was xrncptUy pe forn ed by females, assisted by
machinery nventel and patented ly the proprietors within the last
twenty-five or th ty yei The e ve e evoral other button factories
in the count y vl o e minufa t es we e d to be cheaper than the
imported. The manufacture of Amencan wire-eyed buttons was about
,y Google
1830] BUTTON FA0T0H1E8 — HINGES — SLATES SHOT. 349
tliis time commenced, under a patent, at Hajdenville, Massachusetts, by
two brothers, named Hayden, of Waterbury, Connecticut, who, in 1838,
employed two hundred hands, and a capital of $100,000, and in the
following year added to it the manufacture of steel pens.
Tim Urge button factory of Messrs. Scoriile & Co., at Waterbury
Connecllent, was destroyed by hre in March. That town oonlained
three factories of gilt and other metal buttons, and one of iyory.
A maiiutactory of steel buttons, clasps, ornaments, and other fancy
articles of iron and st«el, with twenty hands, and a gilt button factory
with twenty hands, making nine thousand gross per annum, worth $4.50
per gross, and not surpassed in quality, it was thought, by any imported,
was in operation about this time at Paterson, Now Jersey About
three thousand gross of Pearl and Bone buttons and moulds were
annually made, by Daniel Busiel, in Philadelphia, and metal, cloth,
and other buttons, were made in many other places at this time, in great
profusion.
An extensive manufactory of Brass Hinges, was established abont this
date at Troy. New Torli, the products of which. In quality and cheap,
ness, rivalled those of Birmingham. The Hlobe Sickle Factory, at
Fittsborg, was also established, and the manufacture of large clrcillar
mill, pit, and cross-cut cast steel saws, was commonood in Boston by Mr!
Charles Griffiths, an English manufacturer, and under the Arm of Welch
& Griffiths has been tontinuod to the present time. Carpenters' small
cast stocl saws were also made in Now York, by Mr. Nichol.s, and by
Mr. Rowland and pcihaps one or tuo others in Philadelphia. Swords
for the army and navy wore fuimshed by N. P. Ames, of Chicopee,
Massachusetts, by contract with the goyernment
About one and a half million pounds of American out nails were this
year exported to foreign countries.
EeoSng slates were eitonslvely manufactured at EaSton, Pennsylrania
by James M. Porter, and in May a mannfaotory of rooSng slates and
slate pencils of superior quality was established at Baltimore by Thomas
Symington, who employed machinery patented by him in November
1828. The price of roohng slates was said to have been reduced one
tidrd, under the existing duty.
Sis shot factories had been erected in the Atlantic States since the
duty on foreign shot was laid, and there were several others on the
Mississippi Tlio shot tower of Paul Beck, on the Schuylkill near
Philadelphia, was said to be capable of supplying the whole TTnited
States with that article.
An improvement in the manufacture of Caoutchonc was made this
year by Dr. J. K. Mitchell, of Phil.ideiphia, who showed that India
i.Google
350 PAPEE MAOHINEB — BOOKS — STEAMBOATS. [1830
rubl er bi^a aftei maceration in snlphnrio ether coal 1 I t auccessiyc
iiiflat ons and collapses or by bem^ roUeil in its bott state, be made
into thiD battles oi sheets of gieat size and tl at aftei being cut
ivith a 1 ef knfe the edj,es ivouldi adheie io that the place of union
wouid be scarLcly visible A similai liSLovery 1 ad bten ai nouiiced in
Cogland by Mr HaucocL but his process nas kept a secict
A Fouidiimer paper machine is said to hwe been fiist successfully
male m the Umted States tb s year at WinJham C nnccticut, since
whicl tl ne fe V if any have been impoited Cjlindei n achines, some-
what lesembhna; the endless web machine had been conitnicted and
used auny ycais before by Mi Gilpm oi the Ei'indjvvme Paper Mills,
who th s year also patentel an impiove 1 mole of finishing paper by
passing it between calenUis ii cylindeis to t,^e it a ] ohsl ed surface.
Ihe Messis Ames & Co of bprinafiekl Mas achnsetts employed
t g Id til t f g y t ty-
f 1 m k t til t f ghty m f th I g t ized
I t ] i 1 h d 1 d ! ty f f
t ti 1 d d i t f fi I tt t:
hhpdlthpp 11 ht
tl m It U d t J th w k f
1 p
1 tt
qnal
h,
i m
h ery
d
P t
t d by
th tj
d
f t
ftht
d b
I th
d t by
ip
Ij
din
!> t IP P t t 1 It 1 tl ) f m k Dg
1 p f m 1 t tl t f fl t m t th b 1 ed
p 1 Ppwislmd wt P ji fm ibie. of
the lime and aspen. Leathern paper, made from the refuse shavings and
pariiigs of leather, was also the subject of a patent. It was adapted to
sheatliing vessels. A manufactory of parchment was established at
Pottsvilie, Pennsylvania.
The value of the books published in the United States this year was
estimated at $3,500,000, of which $1,100,000 were school books alone.
The increase, since 1820, was over forty per cent.
According to a report to Congress, the number of steamboats of all
kinds on the watere of New York state, in Kovember, was eiglity-ais,
those on the North river and the Sound being the largest. They varied
from three hundred and six to five hundred and twenty-seven tons. Oq
the Mississippi there were oue hundred and thirty steamboats, one
hundred of which were of large size, averaging three hundred tons
each.
Tiie patents granted this year by the United States Patent Office,
numbered five hundred and forty-four, of which one hundred and ninety
,y Google
1830] TATENTS— JACKaON 8 VIEWS. 351
were to N"o«- Yorl;, one hundred and forty-six to New England (fifty-
two to Connecticut), eighty-eight to Pennsylvania, twonty-sis to
Virginia, twenty-four to Maryland, eight to New Jersey, nineteen to
Ohio, one to Mississippi, one to Alabama. Twenty-acYcn were for
threshing machines, chiefly to New York, eight for spinning jennies, six
for machines for making hats, seven for steam engines, seven for grist
mills, twelve relating to railroads, nineteen for churns, and twenty-one
for washing machines. The following were among the nunaber :
Eleazer Cady, Canaan, N. Y., Jan 6 weighing boats ind caigoes
(called the tongue metre) ; E. F. Blank md Thomas Blank New York
Feb. 16, making paper of leather cuttings and panng** etc , Zechaiiah
Allen, Providence, R. I., Feb. 23, diebsing and fini'ihin^; cloth , Charleb
Danforth, Paterson, N. J., April 1 'ipinnmg thre'ifle This valaable
machine was introdwceij into England dnring the last yeai whpie it wai
patented by J. Hutchin, Esq., and came into extensive use Samnel
Lane, Hallowell, Me., May 11, endless chiin and railway horse power
Thomas Ewbank, New York, Jane 8 pieventing explosion of boilers
Aaron B. Quimby, Hagerstown, Md., Oct. 1, preventing explosion of
boilers ; I. Longhead and J. B. Chapman, Philadelphia, June 11, guard
for explosion of boilers; S. P. Mason, Leesviile, Conn., June 24,
reissued "Dec. 39, cotton roping spinning speeder; Thomas Gilpin,
Philadelphia, June 25, paper finishing machine ; B. Toll and J. Doyle,
Baltimore, Md., July 19, and John Kennedy, Baltimore, Oct. 1, making
soap by steam; Lewis Woo ster and J. B. Holmes, Meadville, Pa.,
Aug. 3, manufacturing paper from wood; E. H, Thomas and Nathan
Woodcock, Brettleborongh, Vt., Ang, 11, pulp dressers for making
paper ; Benjamin Greet, New York, Oct. 1, water proof hats i^f paper ;
Jacob Senneff, Philadelphia, Oct. 1, loom reeds; Joseph 0. Dyer,
Manchester, EnglanJ, Oct. 1, twisting spinning speeder ; John P. Bake-
well, Pittsburg, Oct. 1, glass wheels for clocks ; Pestus Hayden,
Waterbury, Conn., Oct. 1, American wire-eyed buttons; Isaac Adams,
Boston, Mass., Oct. i, power printing press; Richard Wood, New
York, Nov. i, apparatus of Neal's printing press; Isaiah Jennings,
New York, Oct 16, producing light by a combination of liquids to lamps
without wicks. This was for the combination of alcohol and turpentine,
since so extensively used under the name of patent "burning fluid."
The second annual Message of President Jackson to the twenty-flrst
Congress, adverted to the subject of the impost revenue as a cause of
• on- congratnlation, inasmuch as it promised the means of extinguish-
ing the public debt sooner than was anticipated, and furnished a
strong illustration of tho pi'a<:tie!il eifocts of tlie present tariff upon the
,y Google
352 ruESIDENT JACKSON'S MESSAGE. [1^31
commercial interests. 'Upon the constitutionality and effects of the tariff,
we fictl the following arguments :
"The power to impose duties on imports originally belonged to the
several states. The right to adjust those duties, with a view to the
encouragement of domestic branches of industry, is so completely
incidental to that power, that it is difficult to suppose the existence of
the one without the other. The states have delegated their whole
nuthority over imports to the General Ctovernment, without limitation or
restriction saving the very inconsiderable reservation relating to their
inspection law This author ty having thus ent lely pnsscd f r m tl e
states the r ght to exercise it for the purj oso of j. Dtecti )n does r ot
esist in them lad consequently if it be not ] osseased ly the General
Government it must be extinct Our pohtical system would thus
present the anomaly of a people stripped of the right to foster their
own ludustiy and to counteract the most selfish and destiuctive i-Olicy
winch might be adopted by foreign nations This suiely cannot be the
case this indispensable power thus snrrenderei bj the stites mnat be
within the scope of the authority on the subject expressly delegated to
Congress In th s conclusion I am confirmed as well I j the opinions of
President-, Washington Jefferson Madi'ion and Mom oc who have eaih
repeatedly rcLommende 1 the exeruse of this nght undpr the constitntion
Rs by the uniform practice of Congress the comb ned acquiescence of the
states and the geneial understanding of the people *- « * i^ *
' The effects of the present tinff are doubtlws ovemted 1 oth in its
evils and its advantagei By oi e class of reasoners tie reduce 1 pr cecf
irottou an 1 othe agricultural products is ascribed wholly to its influence
and by another the reduced pnce of manufactur d articles The
jirol ability IS thit neither opinion approaches the ti nth an 1 that both
are induced by th^t infl lence of interests and prejudi es to whiuh I have
refeiTcd. The decrease of pneos extends throughout the commercial
world, embracing not only the raw material and the manufactured article,
hut provisions and lands. The cause must therefore he deeper and
more pervading than the tariff of the United States. *****
" The present tariff taxes some of the comforts of life unnecessarily
high ; it undertakes to protect interests too local and minute to justify a
general exaction, and it also attempts to force some kinds of manu-
factures for which the country is not ripe. Much relief will be derived
in some of these respects from the measures of your last session."
Mr. Mallary, chairman of the Committee on Manufactures, to which
this portion of the message was referred, made a report on the 13th
January, which concurred in the President's glowing view of the
prosperity of the country, and in the benefits as well as the constitu
,y Google
1831] AROUMENTS ON THE TARIFF. 353
tionality of the tariff, but dissented from hia opinion that its chief object
should be revenue and protection a secondary one, when, aa was then
feared, the reveaue was about to become too abundant. Protection
"should be the pHmary object. The protecting power having once
belonged to the states, and now transferred to the General Qovernment,
it may be used as the good of the nation demands, for a primary, not a
secondary object. It ought not to be loosely attached to the skirts of
revenue. Domestic industry is a single, great, ever pre-eminent interest
of the nation." Other views of the principles and details of the tariff
contained in the message were reviewed, and the soundness and natural
character of its provisions were afSrmed 'bj the Committee, who believed
that any attempt to change them after so recent a revision wo«!d be
impolitic. _i minority report on the subject from the same committee was
also presented by Mr. MorrelJ, which also concurred in the President's
favorable view of the practical operation of the tariff, which had not
produced the injuries predicted to Congress, and in the soundness of
his argument upon the constitutionaiity of protective import duties;
but also agreed with him that a portion of the duties on necessaries and
comforts of life should be repealed or reduced, and to adjnst the whole
revenue of the country, with a view to the protection of domestic industry.
A resolution submitted by Mr. Tvevzant on 10th Jannary, for instruct-
ing tiie Committee of Ways and Means to report a bill to reduce the
duties on imported goods, to take effect after the payment of the public
debt, was repealed by the House.
The Committee of the Senate on Manufactures, on 16th February,
reported on a bill to reduce and fix the duties on imported sugars, stating
the produce of the crops in Louisiana in the last year at one hundred
thousand Jiogsheada, and that the land adapted to its cultivation would
yield a sufficient supply for the whole United States, for fifty years to
come. Under the duty of three cents, imposed in 1816, the sugar
establishments had rapidly increased, and the price had as constantly
decreased, and would continue, since the proSt of capital employed in
producing sugar was greater than that employed in product of rice,
cotton, and tobacco, and would attract capital from those articles, until
there was an equality of prices among them. Increased competition
would reduce the prices. The sugar culture was an object of national
importance, and should not be destroyed or checked, while in a train of
successful esperiraenta, by a reduction of the duty. An indefinite
postponement of the bill was therefore recommended.
Judge Spencer, from the Committee on Agriculture, reported a resolu-
tion that the Hug bearing tlie colors of the United States, presented to
the Houso by Peter S. Duponceau, of Philadelphia, made of American
,y Google
364 SItK — SALT— COPTniGHTS. [1831
Bilk, and prepared and woven by Jolm D'TTomergue, silk manufactarer,
in the city of Philadelphia, be accepted by the House, and it be displayed
in some conspicuous part of the hall of sittings of the House. The
report was accompanied by the bill for promoting the growth and
manufacture of silk, reported at the last session, and by further com-
munications from Mr. Duponoeau on the subject of the bill.
The same committee, on 3d February, reported on the memorial of the
manufacturers of salt, in Kcnhawa county, Virginia, praying for tho
restoration of the duty on imported salt, that the laws of the last session,
reducing the duty, ought to be suspended. The article was one of tho
first necessity, the domestic sources adequate to a full supply, and the
manufaj^ture already existed in nineteen out of the twenty-four states.
But it was in few hands and easily prostrated by a fall in price, while the
importation was as easily monopolized, and the prices raised by a few
merchants. Aboat 2,400,000 bushels were made on the western watera
in the last year, and the consumption was 2,800,000 bushels. The total
manufacture on an average of the last five years, was 4,350,000 bushels,
the importation 6,500,000, and the annual consumption 9,750,000. The
price had steadily and rapidly declined in the western country, from two
and three dollars a bushel, in 1820, to seventy-five cents, the average of
the last year, and sisty-two and a half cents, the present price, and in
some places as low as fifty cents. The manufacture, on any consider-
able scale, was bat little over fifteen years old, and had been mnch
extended and improved by the act of last session. They reported a bill
to repeal so much of the act of May 29th, 1S30, as had not gone into
operation, which was finally laid on the table, as was also a bil! supple-
mentary to the same set, from the Senate.
A select committee, to whom was referred the petition of upward of
three hundred mechanics, citizens of the city and county of Philadelphia,
employed in the various branches of the iron manufactare, and that of
the joui-ueymen blacksmiths, of the same place, employed in manufac-
turing anchors and chain cables, reported on 28th February. The high
duty imposed on bar iron by the act of 1828, was represented to bo
extremely unfavorable to the manufacturers of hardware, blacksmith's
work, and chain cables, etc., which last could now he imported cheaper
than the rods out of which they were made. Relief couid only be
afforded by a redaction of the duty on raw iron.
A bill, reported hy Mr. Ellsworth, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
to amend tlie several acts respecting copyrights, was passed and approved
on 3d February, securing to authors a copyright for twenty-eight years,
with a right of renewal for fourteen years more, if at the end of the first
period he should be living, or leave a family. The previous act was for
,y Google
fourteen th t tl
1 1
his deeea
■ The E 1 h d i
f
cotton gi d wh h
mp
atidahal ] w j
Id
way of p t I mi t
f
foreign c tt 1 w
J
shillings it). I
two shill e 1 I
P
only foni p p t
Avery d bl d
1
Southern St t H y
fail
Cotton wl h h d Id t
the kst a t m tl
tl
The ta ff f th U t d
St t
the low E f tt
1 tl
excitement 0 tl d V
g t
Augusta, a d others ivete
held
1831] dectjIKe in cotton— tariff. 355
1 5 f ewal by his family in case of
p e the square yard on printed
1 14, and raised in 1806 to throe
th h t March, of this year, and by
1 f revenne thereby, tlie duty on
m per cent, ad valorem to five
1 t w 3 reduced two years after to
ft f om British possessions paying
th J. e of cotton took place in the
d in June at Macon, Georgia.
1 1 If to eleven and a half cents, in
ly fi to seven and a half cents,
t w! h it was customary to ascribe
t pi was still the snbject of mucli
t t riff convention assembled at
n difieient states, at which delegates
were appointed to meet in general convention at Philadelphia, The Free
Trade Convention, which met accordingly at Philadelphia, on 30th Sop-
tcinbet, and adjonraed ou 1th October, was proposed by Mr. II. D. Sedg-
wick, of Massachn setts, through the Hew York Evening Fost, and was
composed of about two hundred delegates, from fifteen states, who were
presided over by Judge P. P. Barboar, of Virginia, Mr. Condy Baguet,
of Philadelphia, acting as secretary. The Convention adopted a series
of resolutions expressing attachment to the Constitution, and declaring
the existing tarifE Jaws of Congress, so far as they went to protect manu-
factures, to be a manifest violatioD of the true intent and spirit of the
Constitation, inexpedient, unequal, oppressive and unjust, especially the
act of May, 1828, which was oppressive to agriculture, commerce, and
manufactures ; that a solemn appeal should be made to the people, to
unite in obtaining such a modification of the tariff as might be essential
to all the important interests of the people, and calculated to quiet the
fears and satisfy the reasonable demands of every section of the Union.
An address to the people of the United States, of like import, was
adopted, and a committee for each state was appointed, and instrncted
to draft a memorial to Congress, which they were to present at its next
session, and promote, by their personal attendance, or by a sub-com-
mittee, in order to impress the views of the convention upon that body.
The memorial, prepared by Mr. Albert Gallatin, was presented to
Congress in Pebrnary, 1832.
On the 26th of October a Tariff Convention of the Friends of
,y Google
356 TAEIFF OONVENTIOKS. [1931
Domestic Ini^ualry, composed of upward oF five hundred delegates from
tte New England and Middle States, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and the
District of Columbia, met in New York, "for the pnrpose of taking into
consideration what proceedings might be necessary for the support
and further extension of the American system, as involvecl in the
protection of the various puraaita of domestic industry. " The Conyention
was organized, with William Wilkins, of Pennsylvauia, as president,
four vice presidents, and four secretaries, of whom Heaekiah Niles, of
Baltimore, was principal. Committees composed of one delegate from
each state were appointed to prepare an address tn the people of the
United States, affirming the constitutionality of a tariff that would
protect the interests of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, which
was written by 0. J. Ingersoll, of Pennsylvania, chairraim of the
committee. 3. To prepare a memorial to Congress, enforcing the
propriety of continuing the protection of domestic industry, whatever
reduction of duties might be expedient on articles not conflicting with
that industry. 3. To inquire and report upon the effect of the existing
tariff upon the agriculture, manufactures, mechanic arts, internal trade,
and foreign commerce of the country— A. H. Everett, of Masssaeiinsetts,
chairmaD; and, L A eomraittee of seven to inquire and report upoa
CTasions of the existing revenue laws. To the foregoing were added
special committees to consider and report, severally, upon the prodnetion
and manufacture of iron and steel, angar and molasses, copper, lead,
cotton, salt, wool, hats and cabinet furniture ; paper, glass, porcelain
and other manufactures of clay ; culture of silk and bemp ; on chemistry,
en tlie currency, and on foreign tariffs.'
These conventions were each composed of men eminent for their
respectability and practical knowledge of the important snbjects discussed,
and the addresses and memorials prepared under their direction are
among the ablest expositions of the two great parties which now divided
the conntry, on the subject of protecting duties, in our. political annals.
They had the effect of bringing the subject of the tariff once more hefore
fit National Legislature at its next session with such effect as to result
m an eiitue review of its principles and an attempt to rrconcile the
f jnHicting interests
Tiie reports of the several committees of the New \or\ conven-
t n aftej its adj3urnment, to the peimanent committee embodied a
iir^e amount of stitistics and valmblo mfoimition derived from the
n embers and fiom other 'iources some of which has been given under
The Ihinkq of the eon
etlLon wera
the aiuse n
f li,ine=[ioir.l atiy aud
twenly
to Mmihew Carey at
Id Iloiekiah
thoaEand oi
opies of the address were i
ordered
fw' their loiij- ntid able
adTocticy of
to be printi
;d.
i.Google
1831]
COTTOM MANTJFA0TDEE8 IN MEW ENGLAND.
351
previous dates. We give the result of their inqniries as containing what
have been deemed reliable data respecting several branches of industry,
and, in the absence of the usual official eensus of manufactures, at this
time more to be depended upon than the voluminous report of the
Secretary of the Treasnrj-, made in obedience to a resolution of Congress
at its next session, based upon information very imperfectly and hastily
obtained, in answer to circnlar letters, and of which no digest has ever
been made, or seams possible to be made with advantage.
From the best information that could he obtained, the Committee on
Cotton, of which P. T. Jackson, of Massachusetts, was chairman, estima-
ted the crop of the United States, after the year ending October 1, to
be, in the Atlantic states, 436,103 bales of 306 lbs. eaeh, equal to
148,t4T,518 lbs,, and in the Southern and Western States, 552,744 bales
of 411 lbs., equivalent to 327,111,784 lbs., giving a total crop of
1,038,841 bales, or 375,925,302 3bs. Tlie domestic consum^jtion
amounted to more than one fifth of the whole crop ; and the value of
the product, allowing it to be increased fourfold in the process of
manufacture, probably four fifths that of the cotton crop, and equal to
the value of the whole quantity exported.
The following is a summary of the detail of the cottoa manufac-
ture in the twelve Eastern and Middle States, including Maryland and
Virginia. But owing to misapprehension of the question respecting
capital, only thai employed In fixtures was returned, and some manu-
facturers were reluctant to give the details of their business, for wbich
reasons it was thought that one fourth to one third might be safely
added to the account. The statement was exclusive of no less than
tJiirty establishments returned from the Southern and Western States,
from which no accurate details were received, and also of family manu-
factures. The cotton mills in the twelve numbered seven hundred and
ninety- five.
Co(WnMlll8
sCpr[ ri^,*| ^"T"
Total,
."sstfL"^ ' ?^',^^:''^™i""'t""''
4a,eu,m
a,«o,ooo
1,9C0,212
3,SM:iXII>
738
429,3^
1,1»U,000
1.300
2,'2il)
2,80!)
935,SSS
e.eeo
i,floo,ono
«)2,885
«,314,C34
P d fyMUMld', ....
23U,*ii,90»
P d f otlonoacd (214,822 bales),
P 'd f'S^'^S"'"'^^*"^ ■ ■
B rral f flonr f^eiAag, '.'.'.
C d f w od
B b 1 ( harcml, '.'.'.',■
VI f iherartide's In dollars, ' .
A°nimrTO°ii*°u'do]ls:rs, '.'.'.■
■■■ss
as
B7.m«
2,070,873
18,4M
45^020
ISl.MB
82,038,760
12,1M,72S
i.Google
S58 IRON AND STEEL — HATS. [1831
Without opportunity for further inquiry, the Committee on Iron and
Steel was able to enumerate fourteen steel furnaces, then in operation,
capable of snppljing sixteen hundred tons annually, an amount etinal
to the whole importation, but believed to be far short of the quantity
really made.' The furnaces were at the following places, viz : at
Pittsburg two, Baltimore one, Thiladelphia three, Yoi-lt county,
Pennsylvania, one, Kew York three, Troy one, New Jersey two, Boston
one. American steel was considered quite equal to Enghsh steel for
agricnUnral purposes, and bad excluded the latter altogether, the only
steel imported being of a hotter quality, such as Swedish, blister, and
slieer and cast steel. Iron of similar or equal quality to that which
had given Great Britain the raanafacture of the best articles of cutlery,
had been recently made by improved processes, from Juniata ore, and
that of Anerira, New York, and Salisbury, Connecticut. Steel was
made in Pittsburg, and could be made in New York and Connecticut,
bearing a fair comparison with the best hoop L or Danamoura steel from
England, all the iron made from Danamoura ore being monopoliaed by
a firm in Hull. The second quality, or sheer steel, also an English
monopoly, was now made by English artists in the United States, but
attempts to make cast steel in the United States iiad not siieeeoded,
owing first to a want of the best quality of blister steel, as a material,
at reasonable price, and secondly to the want or expense of proper
crucibles. These difficulties, it was thought, would be removed by the
superior quality of Juniata iron for blister steel, and by the recent
discovery of clay in Clinton, Clearfield, and Lycoming counties,
Pennsylvania, and near to Baltimore, believed to be identical with the
Stourbridge.
A statement of the iron and other manufactures in Litchfield county,
Connecticut, gave the pig and bar iron made at $293,000 ; the manu-
factures of iron, including scythes, hoes, axes, tacks, shovels and spades,
augers, steel, pitchforks, ploughs, etc., at $111,650,000; wool, woolen
cloths, cotton cloths and hats, shoes, clocks, leather, buttons, etc., etc.,
$1,414,200 ; total, $1,884,850.
Mr. J. P. Crozer, from a committee of Delaware county, Pennsylvania,
reported to the Convention the following establishments in that county,
viz : rolling and slitting mills, four ; nail factories, two ; till mills (making
edge tools, spades, and shovels), four; paper mills, thii-teen ; cotton
spinning mills, thirteen, with 11,350 spindles ; cotton weaving mills, three,
with 420 looms; woolen mills employing 350 persons; total value of
manufactures, $1,313,115; persons employed, 3,185.
The annual manufacture of hats in the United States was estimated
at ten millions of dollars, and employed 15,000 men and 3,000 women,
,y Google
1831] GLASS — CABINET "WARE — SUGAR. 359
whose wages were $4,200,000. A foreign hat was seldom to be seen,
American kats being regarded as cheaper, and about $500,000 worth
were exported. The manufacture of caps was also extensive ; one of
three or four factories at Albany employing about 600 persons, and
paying about $100,000 per annum ia wages. The value of hats and
caps for men'a wear was put down at fifteen millions of dollars annually.
The Committee on GHsi and Manufactures of Olaj reported twenty-one
furnaces in the United States (six of thera in Boston and its Ticinity),
containing one bundled and forty pots for the mannfacture of flint glass.
Their total product of flint ghas was |],300,000, of which $iOO,000
was made in two uf the Hrgest at Boston, much of the latter consisting
of cut glass. They were estimated to use 1,450 tons of lead, 900 tons
of pearl ashes, 2 600 tons of sand, 1,000 tons of fire clay, and 100
tons of saltpetre The minufacture had been greatly improved and
extended under the protective duty of 1824, and the price was fully one
third less than in 1816. Few if any orders were sent abroad for flint
glass by American merchants. But one factory of black glass bottles,
carboys, etc. , was known to exist, and that was near Boston, with a capital
of $50,000, and employing sixty-five men and boys. Its product was six
thonsand gross annDally. The New England Crown Glass Company,
uear Boston, with a capital of $450,000, made crown window glass to the
value of $100,000, and was the only factory of the kind except one
recently erected at New York. The largest manufactory of green
bottles, demijohns, druggists' wares, etc., was that of Dyott, near
Philadelphia, employing two hundred and fifty to three hundred men,
and melting about 1,300 tons per annum. There were twenty-three
manufactories of cylinder window glass, four of which were at Pittsburg,
four at Burnsville, Pennsylvania, and two at Wheeling, Virginia, The
total value of the glass mannfactnred in the United States was about
$3,000,000; the nnmber of persons employed 2,140; persons subsisted
10,800 ; wages annualiy paid $730,000,
The value of Cabinet wares made was ascertained to be ten millions of
dollars. The price was thirty per cent, less than it was a few years
before, and a considerable value was annually exported to Canton,
South America, and the West Indies.
The nuQiber of sugar plantations in Louisiana alone exceeded five
hnndred, one half of which were supposed to be worked by steam, tlie
remainder by cattle and horses, and there were infant establishments in
Georgia and Florida, all of which, it was thought would he ruined by a
redaction of the duty of three cents on sugar.' The sugar refineries
(1) It w!i! nrguod in fiivor of the rednc- tlin,t LouiinnB could not piotluoe sugar of
tioD of Ibo duty on sugar for llio refiuBries, suDiabiit Ptrongtli for lhi:it ueo. Tlie oiijoo-
,y Google
260 WOOLEK MAKUrACTTJEE — CHEMICALB. [1831
numbered thirty-eight, of which throe were in New OrleMis, eight in
Baltimore, eleven in Philadelphia, eleven in New Toi'li, three in Boston,
and one each in Salem, Massachusetts, and Providenee, Rhode Island.
A continuanee of the duty woald aocnre a large proportion of the
roflnery business to the United States.
The number of sheep in the United States was estimated at twenty
millions, worth, on an average, two dollars a head. The capital invested
in sheep and lands to feed them was about $105,000,000. The fixed
and floating capital invested in the woolen manufacture was about forty
millions of dollars, total capital in the growth and manufacture and the
snpport of the manufactarera, $L6T,500,000. The number of persons
employed, 163,000, requiring, for materials and subsistence, $250,000,000
worth of agricultural products yearly. New York probably produced
one fourth of all the wool in the United States, and Massachusetts
manufactured one fourth. Vermont, in the last year, sold wool worth
$1,200,000.'
There were at least thirty chemical establishments in the United
States, with an aggregate capital estimated at $1,168,000. They pro-
duced articles worth fully one million of dollars annually. Alum, copperas,
and some other articles were produced to tbe almost total eselasion of
the foreig'n. The manufacture included calomel and various other
mercnrial preparations, Glaubers and Rochelle salts, tartar emetic,
ammonia, sulphate of quinine, oil of vitriol, tartaric, nitric, mnriatic^
oxalic and acetic acids, aqua fortis, Prussian blue, chrome yellow, chrome
green, barilla, chloride of lime and of soda, refined saltpetre, refined
borax, refined camphor, acetate and nitrate of lead, prussiate of potash,
bichromate of potash. Additions were daily made to the list. Nearly
all the materials used were the products of the United States, the only
important exceptions being brimstone, saltpetre, cream tartar, and
Peruvian bark, which few of the rival manufacturers possessed in their
own countries.
The following estimate was made of the value of manufactures in the
United States this year, viz :
Leather, thirty-five millions of dollars ; hats and caps, fifteen ; house-
hold and kitchen furniture, fifteen ; wagons, coaches, carriages, etc., and
agricultural tools, ten ; eoate, vests, and other tailors' work, ten ; paper.
as about Ihia dnta removed by tha
vol. 3
Lielion of Hoard's process of boiling
276. J>nu,ii Office R^rt, IMS.,
p. 218.'
lo, after previous coiioenlration in
(1) The quanUtj of wool imp
kettles. Thomas A. Morgttn, and
Boston, in tJio first throe qu.irl*
ra of this
A Forstell, were among tte first to
year, was 2,491,&[6 lbs., and tl
vnconin pan nod process of Howard
of tho two previous years was o
million of pounds.
yei half u
i.Google
1831] NEW ARTICLES — BOOTS AND SHOES. 301
books biiid n^ newspippis and statioDcry ten , ladies' hats, caps, aud
bcunetf. late aitiflcial fiowers ambiella^ etc eio'ht ; soap, candles,
tobacco bnttoDs penknives «oodencIofL etc , sei.en ; mauufactures of
iron lead lud other metaU wool cotton elc , ninety millions; total,
two hundred millions of dolJirs ^
Among the articles presented for the fiiist time at the seventh exhibi-
tion of the Fianklin Institute in Philadelphia in October, were samples
of the natural yellow nankeen made without dye by Collett & Smith, of
Paterson, New Jeisey bhck silk plush mide of American silk, with a
very small admixture of foreign mateml and lemaikable for the quality
of the silk and the excellence of the raauufaauie, color, etc. The latter
article was fiom the factory of Joseph RipLa, at Manayunk, who also
receired an eUia piemium for his green summer cloths, of cotton and
worsted the only imitatitn of the English irticle ever seen by the com-
mittee Catlery was also anew aiticle The Hon John Porayth, Se-
nator ftom Augusta Georgia was awarded an extra premium for his
enteipriBs in cultivating the viuety of Uioit staple cotton, from which
the Aeramna nankeens and those aboie mentioned were made, as a
substitute for the ludian fabric ' Col JUm E Calhoun, of Pendleton,
South Carolina, was rewaideil for cotton and woolen blankets for plan-
tation use, made by him in the firat manufactory of the kind in that
state. Great improvements were noticed in the quality of the carpets
exhibited, among which imitation Brussels carpets from the Lowell fac-
tory, and that of Mr. Gtvens, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, were con-
spicuous—also, in flannels, printed cottons, stoves for anthracite, writing
paper and Britannia ware, especially that of the Taunton Britannia
Manufacturing Company of Massac h use tts,= and in buttons, from Attle-
boro, Massachusetts, and Waterbury, Connecticut,
The Rockland flour mills, eight miles from Baltimore, were converted
into a calico printing establishment, by Mr. Mellier, and printed 8,000
yards daily.
The number of pairs of ladies' boots and shoes made at Lynn, Massa-
chusetts, in the year, was 1, 675,^1, valued at $942,171. The husiaoss
employed 1,T41 men, 1,615 women, and consnmed $413,350 worth of
materials.
The manufactures of Hampden county, Massachnsett-s, were ascer-
(1) SiWs Register, vol. 39, p. 148. and their n-ork took tbe losd. Britannia
(3) Georgia Dttnkeen cotton wbs maim- tenpola nora also made by T. D. 4 S. Boerd-
fiictared a. LonBclale, llhode lalona, in 1834. mnn, of Hartfofd, nnd Bben Smilh, of Be-
rn,ike rolled
■y of Reed A, Bar- verlj', MaaanohuBotts, n
iballj Zelte,' from. J. W. Qmnc'n, Esq., of Nets
,y Google
jLAiaE. [1831
ta d t am t to the value of $2,191,000. Tlio principal articles
w tt a d woolen cloth, firearms, paper (39,324 reams), saddlery,
t it ks, whips, and leather. The cotton factories were six-
t p dl 30,766, looms 112, artizans 4,099. At Chicopee 20,000
J dl twork, and 13,500 yards of cloth made daily. Berk-
h ty h d invested in manufactures $2,081,930, and the value of
tl p d t 12 006,965.
TI T t Ealls Company was incorporated in New Jersey, Fe-
b 1 IS f the improvement of the extensive water power of the
f 11 f tl D 1 ware, and of the Assunpink creek, at Trenton.
Th 15 P lain and Chinaware manufactures of Philadelphia were
y d 1 y mpetent jndges to be second only in point of perfection
t th f r ce. The business was first commenced by William Ellia
T 1 1 periments, during several years, in the mannfactnre and
colonUn of vanons clays, induced him, in 1825, to enlarge his operations
by starting the first American Queensware manufactory in the old city
water works, in Philadelphia. By successive improvements and mnch
expenditure he was enabled to produce wares, comparing favorably in
color, surfiice and gilding with the French. He was this year joined in
the business by Judge Hemphill, of Philadelphia, and they established ou
a larger scale the American Porcelain maoufactoiy, at Nineteenth and
Chestnut streets, which, after Mr. Tnclter's death the nest year, was
carried on by Thomas Hemphill, under his brother's patronage. They
owned a fine bed of kaolin in Chester county.
A large steam cotton factoiy, two hundred feet long, commenced in
July at Olneyville, Ehode Island, and another two hundred and seventy-
five feet long, nearly completed at Pall River, Massachusetts, were among
the largest in the country. A cotton factory was also projected at
Nashville, Tennessee. At tlie cotton factory in Richmond, Virginia,
slave labor alone was employed, except in superintendence.
Many useful and ornamental articles, as inkstands, sand-boxes, toys, etc.,
were made in Pennsylvania out of anthracite coal and lignite, for which
a Mr. Kirk, this year, obtained a patent, under which Kirk's Patent An-
thracite Wares Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $100,000,
afterward commenced the business with a charter granted by the state,
in March, 1838.
About sixty out of one hundred steam engines, at this time employed
in Philadelphia, used anthracite coal for fuel.
James D. Allaire, proprietor of the Allaire works, Cherry street, New
York, employed two hundred hands in the manafactnre of steam engines,
and other heavy iron work, to the amount of $140,000, in six months
He had other factories for making hollowware, sadirons, etc , in wliicli
,y Google
1831] ESOOMB — POWEE LOOMS — NOEBIS WOEKS. 363
four hundred hands were employed. In Pittsbnrg cast iron began to he
used for pillars, the caps and sills of windows, etc.
The manufacture of corn brooms had become a large business in the
TTiiited States, and was yalned at several hundred thousand dollars. A
machine had been recently invented by a yomig American for cleaning
tlie material with great rapidity.
American power looms had nearly superseded the English, and were
about this time introduced into England, where they became very po-
pular. An improved power loom for weaving checks was at this period
invented by Mr. Alfred Jenks, of Bridesbuvg, Pennsylvania, and was in-
troduced into the Kempton mill, at Manayunk.
The public interest in the silk ealtare continued to eatend, and raw
silk was produced in small quantity, by individuals, in many parts of the
country. The silk bill before Congress attracted attention to the sub-
ject, and much was expected from the Cliinese mulberry and Moms
Multicaulis, which was this year introduced into New England. The
Legislature of Massachusetts manifested its interest by appropriating six
hundred dollars for the completion and printing of a manna! on the silk
cultnre, for distribution throughout the state. The work, entitled a
" Manual of the Mulberry Tree and tKe Calture of Silk," was prepared
l)y Jonathan H. Cobb, of Dedhara, Massachusetts, an early cultivator
of the Multicaulis, and inventor of an improved silk reel, and con-
tributed much useful information on the subject, althoagli it contained
many extravagant estimates of the profits of silk raising.
The American Kailroad Journal was established this year, dcToted to
the interests of railroad enterprises, which had grown to considerable
magnitude. It was edited and published by D. K. Minor and Henry
V. Poor.
The "American Steam Carriage Company," composed of Col. Ste-
phen 11. Long, United States Army, William Norris, and others, was
formed at Philadelphia in March, to build "locomotives" according to
the plans of Col. Long, afterward secured by letters patent, and intended
to use anthracite fuel. The first engine was built under Col. Long's
saperintendencc, at the Phcenix Foundry, Kensington, but at its trial,
on the fourth of July of the next year, proved a failure. A second
one, finish i n J IS w uccessful, and in the following year
three others w b It by JM Long and Norris, the .latter of whom
became ab t th m t m 1 j oprietor of the business, which has
since becom f th t t nsive in the city, the works being
known as tl K" I m t Works.
The first fa f ght p rts on the Geology of the State of
Tennessee, w th y ated to the General Assembly of the
,y Google
364
[1831
State, by Piofs s Ji Greiaid Frost. Tho flnal report was made in 1846.
Sixty pattnts neii, granted during tbe Jast and present year for
threshing machines
Patents — Elizabeth Oram, New York, Jan. 13, globe foi teaching
geography, Chules Goodyear, Philadelphia, Jan. 12, mai ufictai n^
buttons, called tho " safe-eye button ;" De Grasso Fowler, jSe \ Brant
ford, Conn., Jane 13, manufacturing dead-eyed wooden buttons Jose] h
Boston, New York, Feb. 11, manufacturing gas for illuminatioi etc ,
Solomon Andrews, Perth Aniboy, K. J., April 15 and Maj 5 mann
facturing gas from oil and fay spirit lamp; Henry Robinson Bo ton,
March 10, gas meters; Seth Boyden, Newark, N. J,, Much 9 and
April 6, malleable cast iron ; Thomas Blanchard, Springfiel 1 Mass
March 25, steamboats for passage of rapids ;' Asa Q. Bill an 1 Geoige
Spalding, Middletown, Conn., March 28, loom for weaving webbing tipe
etc. ; Richard Willcos, Paterson, N. J., April 5, three patents for
metallurgical apparatus, with anthracite and bituminous coal and chai
coal ; Moses Isaacs, Philadelphia, April 7, making coke from anthracite
etc. ; George H. Richards, Washington, D. C, April H, find caout
chouc to render articles water-proof— the first patent for thi chss of
articles recorded; Daniel Strobel,]''-. Washington, D. C, Maj <i con
centrating sjrap and cane juice by steam ; Thomas Ozmard 0 imboi
land, Maine, Aug. 6, apparatus for filtering syrup and washing animal
blood used in clarifying sugar ; John F, Nnnns, New York, May 5, and
Jesse Thompson, New York, Angust 6, action piano fortes; E, Fair-
banks and T. Fairbanks, St. Johnsbury, Tt., June 13, balance for weigh-
ing heavy bodies, (reissued March, 1834, and again Feb. I83T.) This
was for the valuable "platform woie," which has effected a great change
in the system of weighing Daniel Loring, Newark, N. J., Ang, 23,
and Jas. Coulter, Philadelphia, Oct. 13, balances for weighing canal
boats and loaded wagons, etc , James Stimpson, Baltimore, Md.,
Ang. 23, wheels for railroad carnages ; Samuel Krauser, Reading, Pa.,
Nov. 2, wheels for lailroad cars, to prevent friction ; D. Ames, jr., and
Joha Ames, assignees of Samuel Eckstein, Philadelphia, June 13,
machine for washing rags for paper — consisting of a wire cloth cylinder,
to carry off the dirt beaten from the rags, as a substitute for the screens
and washers then in use ; Josiah W. Kirk, Schuylkill county, Pa., June
13, ornaments from anthracite coal, etc. ; Peter Mintzer, Philadelphia,
July 20, and W. H. Horstmann, Philadelphia, July 28, fiy harness nets
for horses; Isaiah Jennings, New York, Aug. 1, lamps for burning
evaporable ingredients ; Charles Goodyear, Philadelphia, Sept. 7, steel
(1) This was a praefJonl ana Ingonious Howe's Memoirs of Eminent Mochsnica; p.
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18:jl] THE president's recommemdations. 365
spring fork ; E. N. Sherr, PMlaiJelphia, Oct. 6, guitar ; James R.
Stewart, New York, Nov. 11, dyeing cotton in tlie staple or cotton wool.
The first message of the President to tiie twenty-second Congress
Ifll") ^P°''® °*' the prosperous condition of AgricnUiire, Manufactures,
and internal improTements, and of the scarcely less prosperona state
of the foreign trade and navigation, which, in consequence of the im-
proved relations of the country, had resnlted in an increase of the revenue
beyond the most sanguine expectations of the Treasury Department.
Tlie revenue of the year would not fall short of 127,100,000 ; and the
expenditures for all olgeets, other than the public debt, would not exceed
$14,100,000. The payments on account of the principal and interest
of the public debt wonld exceed sixteen and a half millions ; and the
sum so paid since his inauguration would exceed forty millions of dollars.
The condition of the public finances, and the certainty of the extin-
guishment of the public debt by redemption or purchase within the four
years of his term, furnished an opportunity for carrying more fully into
eiTcct the policy recommended in his previous messages in relation to
import duties: "A modification of the Tariff which sliall produce a
reduction of the revenue to the wants of the government, and an adjust-
ment of the duties on imports with a view to equal justice in relation to
ail our national interests, and to the connteractiou of foreign policy so
far as it may be injurious to these interests, is deemed to be one of the
principal objects which demand the consideration of the present Con-
gress. Justice to the interests of the merchant aa well as tiie manufac-
turer, requires that material reductions in the import duties be prospec-
tive ; and unless the present Congress shall dispose of the subject, the
proposed reductions cannot properly be made to take effect at thu
]jeriod when the necessity for the revenue arising from present rates
shall cease. It is therefore desirable that arrangements be adopted at
your present session to relieve the people from unnecessary taxation,
a'ter the extinguishment of the public debt. In the exercise of that
spirit of concession and conciliation wliich has distinguished the friends
of our Union in all great emergencies, it is believed that this object mtiy
be effected without injury to any national interests."
Ofl the 9th January, Mr. Clay, recently elected to the TInited States
Senate by the Legislature of Eentucky, submitted to that body the
following resolutions :
"Tb t th dnt on t 1 mp t d f m foreign countries, and
not c n t mp 1 1 n th ml a t lea made or produced in
the TTn t 1 fct t 1 1 t I f thw tl ab li.shed, except the duties
on wi n 1 Ik nd th t tl y 1 1 1 h duced.
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366 DEBATES ON THE TAUIFr. [1833
TI it tlip (jdirn tteo on rmince lepoit a bill iin.iriiD(,h
lo the Ir t icsolutcn Mi Hajne of South Caiuhni raoTed an
amendment to the effect th^t the duties be &d i educed that tlie pubht.
revenue ehould be sufficient to defriy the expen';es of govemmtDt
acLOidmg to their present scale after the payment of the publiu debt,
and that a gradual reduction of the high pioteeting duties take pUce
until the latea shodd be equahzed on all imports This proposition
tvhioh was the utmost he could yield as a representatiye of South Caro
liua «as finally lejected though ablj supported iiy him and others
opposed to the Americin sj'fteni which they declared unequal unjust
and ruinous to the South whoie condition Mi Ha.yne asiaied the
Senate was not merely one of unexampled depression but of gieat
and all pervading dibtrcbs Joint itock cnmpanieB •^t the S"ortli had
made liige dividends and fimiibhing villages had gionn up under it
liut the condition of the masses had not bt,pn impioved and the pio-
posed reduction of duties on ]ns.unes was only a measure to reheve the
iich manufacturers of a portion of these liuithens and to add to those
of the South
On the 19tb January the House of Reprefentatives passed lesolu
tions c<tlhn„ upon the Secietary of the Treasury to furnish infoimatiOQ
reipecting the extent aid conditun generally of the manufactures of
wool cctton hemp iion sugar fcalt, and other articles manufactured to
a consideiable extent , and to atcompanj it by such a tariff jf duties
on imports as he might think best adopted to the advancement of the
public u terests , — a!so to obtiin and lay before the House inf irmition
as to the quantities and kinds of the several irticles manufartuied in
the Un ted btafes particulaily those of iron cotton wool hemp sugar
etc and the cost thereof as well as the quantities and cost of similar
articles imported from abroad dnimg the same year
In confoimity with these requi'iitions the becietary Mi McLane
Issued circular inquiries calculated to ehat the information sought and
on the 2Tih Apnl submitted a report accompanied by a tariff bill
repeahng the tct of 1828 and so altciing and icduung the rales of
duty on liaise number of ai titles is to reduce the whole annual levenno
from customs about ten millions, and that arising from piotected at tides
about three millions ; and the average rate of duty from about forty-
five to twenty-seven per centum, leaving the total revenue from customs
equal to about twelve millions annually. It was framed in accordance
with these principles, and intended to harmonize both parties, but was
satisfactory to neither.
Mr, McDuEBe, of South Carolina, from the Committee of Ways and
Means, also made a report to the House on the 8th February, along
,y Google
1832} A CHANGE IS TUE TAaiFP. 361
with a liill " to reduce aad equalize the duties on imports. " It proposed
a uniform rate of twenty-five per cent ad valorem on the more import-
unt articles, which rate was to be further reduced within one year to
eighteen and three-foarths per centum, and within two years to twelve
and one-half per centum and no more, on articles not already free or
charged with a lower dnty than twelve and one-half per centum.
Other measures were brought forward during the session by Messrs.
Stewart, Dickerson, and Doubleday. The leading measure of the
session, however, was a tariff bill reported by Mr. Adams, chairman of
the Committee on Manufactures, on d M y t It d amend the
several acts relative to duties on imp t. wh h w panied by
a report on the subject. It was frame 1 th b f tl b 11 submitted
by the Secretary of the Treasury, but 1 t f vorable to
protection. It passed the House, witl m 1 t 8th June;
and, having received several additi 1 Im t tl e Senate,
became a Jaw on the 14th July, and t t k CT t 3d March
following. This tariff made addition f m tw I Id irticles to
the free list, enlarging it to about tw 1 1 1 d ty articles,
including wool costing less than eight t j d th t of China
and India, most tropical production d th *■ P t^^S with
domestic productions, many drugs, dy t ft 11ml It reduced
the duties on a large number of artiel d i 1 th pon a few,
as china, stone and earthenware ; but p 1 th h t sties of a
protective measure.
An official statement, emanating from the Treasury Department, esti-
mated the amount of duties that would accrue under this tariff, ealen-
lated upon the importations of the year ending September 30, 1830, at
$12,101,567, after deducting drawbacks and cxpeuscs— a reduction of
$5,18T,0T8 from the amount realized under the act of 182S.
The intense interest feJt throughout the country on the subject of the
tariff, as manifested by the memorials laid before Congress during the
session from the Free Trade and Anti-Tariff Conventions of the last
year, the numerous memorials and resolutions adopted by several of the
local Legislatures, and by unofficial meetings held in various parts of
the Union, approying or condemning any modification of the revenue
system, was in no wise allayed by the passage of this act, which, thougli
adopted with a view to conciliation, was unsatisfactory to the extremists
of both parties. The agricultural interests of the South were generally
arrayed against any measure retaining the features of a protective
policy'; and in South Carohua the spirit of Nullification had become
exceedingly rife. At a State Rights and Free Trade Convention of
delegates from every district but one in the state, held at Charleston on
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OO** SOUTH CAEOLIfTA NULLIJIOATION. [1833
23d February, at which Governor Hamilton presided, it was resolved to
pablish and circulate among the people tracts to explain and inculcate
NuUifieaiion m the legitimate peaceful and rightful remedy for all
oppressiye and dangerous vioUtion's of the ledeiil eomptct Ai idiresa
to tbe people f the state w-a adopted which characterized the billa
before Coigiess ^s attempf. to fasten the restiictive system npon the
country and to produce m effect a steady discnmioatini, duty of fifty
per cent n Sontheri ai I a hou ily of fift> per cent on Northern
indnstiy Ihuy dil not [wposo to moot conatitutioi al qnestiona
That atgumett hai been exhausted They deairel to ^ive a more
practicaUcjje to tleir reflections The state looks to 1 ei sons to
defend her in whatever form she may choose to proclaim her purpose
to resisV
The Senators and Representatives of that state in Congress having
issued an address to the people announcing that, by the passage of the
tariff bill, the protecting system must be regarded as the settled policy
of the country, that alJ relief from Congress was irrecoverably gone,
and that it remained with the sovereign power of the state to decide
what course to pursue. Another convention was accordingly assembled
at Columbia in Kovember, whieli, on the 24th, passed the famous ordi-
nance to nullify the acts of Congress. It declared that the tariff laws
of 1828 and July 14, 1833, were "unauthorized by the constitution of
the United States, and violate the true meaning and intent thereof, and
are noil and void, and no law, nor binding npon this state, its ofBcers,
or citizens," etc. It was {declared nnlawful for any constitoted authori-
ties of that state or the United States to enforce tJie payment of the
duties within the limits of the state ; and the Legislature was instructed
to pass acts to give full force to the ordinance after the 1st February
following. Addresses were issued to the people of the state, calling
upon them to prepare for the crisis ; and to the people of the United
States, explaining the causes of their hostile attitude to the General
Government. An act of replevin was promptly pat^bed by the Legisla-
ture, and an act to empower the Governor to employ the nai al and
military force of the state, and to subject all officers of the state to a
test oath, with a view of enforcing the ordinance. The plan of taxa-
tion in which the convention declared itself willing to acquiesce "in a
liberal spirit of conces=ioii, provided they were met in due time, in a
becoming spirit, by the 'itates interested in manufactures," was, the
" whole list of protected articles should be imported free of all duty,
and that the revenue derived from import duties shonld he raised esclu-
sively upon the unprotert^d articiea ; or that whenever a duty is im-
posed upon pmtectpd articles imported, an excipe duty of the same rate
,y Google
.-lOO^J SOUTHERJf NULLIFICATION— SILK. 369
shall be imposed upou all similar articles manufactured in the TJnited
States" ! The impolitic measures proposed bj South Carolina in case
tins spirit of " concession" was not met by a tariff substantially uniforni
on all foreign imports, and limited to a revenue standard, called forth
from President Jackson, on the 10th December, a proclamation, v/arning
the authontie^s of the consequences of following the dictates of the
Convention, and of the course he would be compelled to pursue. Under
instrnctions from the state Legislature, then in session, a counter pro-
clamation of open defiance was issued ten days after by Governor
Hayne, the late Senator, who waa succeeded in the senatorsJiip by Mr,
Calhoun, the repated parent of the doctrine of state sovereignty, and
of its legitimate fruit, nullification and secession, tlie latter having
resigned the vice -presidency of the United States to occupy the Senate.
The nullification measures of South Carolina were condemned by
different legislative and other public assemblies of states, north and
south, many of whom were as much opposed to the tariff as herself.
The energy of the exeeutivo was effectual in maintaining the authority
of the laws ; and on the 18th March of the ensuing year another state
convention rescinded the nullification ordinance ; bnt passed another to
nullify what was called the force bill, for the collection of duties on
imports, approved Mapch 3, 1833.
In consequence of the intense feeling excited in Congress on the sub-
ject of the tariff, which had rendered the very word manufacture dis-
tasteful to many, the Silk bill, which had been pending during two
sessions, having been pressed to a decision by its friends, was finally
rejected by a small majority, chiefly, it is belieYed, on party grounds,
under the plea that it was unconstitutional.
That measure, which was the first important evidence of a national
interest in a branch of industry that promised to be renewed, or esta-
blished with permanent benefit to the country, had excited' no little
attention in England, as opening a new source of supply of raw silk
for her mannfacturers, and had drawn to the United States a num-
ber of silli throwsters, weavers, dyers, and others skilled in the silk
business, in the vain hope of finding employment. Specimens of Oros
de Naples, made in England from silk sent to that country by the vene-
rable P. S. Duponceau, President of the American Philosophical So-
ciety, by whom the bill had been drawn up at the request of a committee
of Congress, arrived during the session, and were distributed among
the members, and other fabrics from Prance were received after the
adjournment. The measnro is believed to liave met with the private
opposition of the French minister, M, Scrnrier, as one likely to conflict
with an establiahed indaatry of Ms own country. Though supported by
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3T0 SILK— -lltOS— COKB. fl8S2
many ardent fricDds, by memorials in its favor, and by tlie personal
iuBnonce of Mr. Daponcoau, wliose oliaracter and patriotism com-
manded the highest esteem, the bill, after an animated discussion, was
thrown out. The filature, established by that gentleman in Philadel-
phia, was suffered to go down, aud public atteatiou was prematurely
turned to the more difScult art of manufacturing the native silk inio
fabrics for use, rather thaa the production of a raw matenal for expor-
tation, by which it is possible sillt raising might have been added to the
staple indnstries of the country. Under the expectations created by
the discussion of this subject in Cougress, and by the press, the atten-
tion nf agriculturalists, associations, and families throughout the Union,
was earnestly given to this branch ; and specimens of raw silk, sewings,
and various ai!k fal)rics, produced by private enterprise, continned to be
received from sections of the Union widely remote, and gave abundant
evidence of the facility with whicb the materia] could be produced in
the United States. Connecticut offered a bounty of one dollar per
hundred for mnlberry trees, and fifty cents a pound for reeled silk, suit-
able for manufacture. A bili to encourage the propagation of the white
mulberry, which was becoming the favorite variety, and the culture of
silk, was introduced into the New York Legislature, and various mea-
Bures to promote the same objects were adopted in other states.
The General Assembly of Pennsylvania, on the 4th of May, passed a
general " Act to promote the Culture of Silk," anthorizing the Governor
to incorporate in each county a Society for the cultivation of the White
Mulberry, with the privilege of establishing and conducting a manufac-
tory of the raw material ; and also to cnltivate a farm, and establish a
school or academy for the education of youth, to be so conducted as to
combine labor and instruction,_the whole art and mystery of raising
and manufacturing silk, to be taught, if desired by the students.
On the 14th July an act was approved, to release from duty iron im-
ported for, and actually laid on railways or inclined planes
The low price of railroad iron in England, occasioned by the exteu-
Bive use of the process of coking bilnminous coal for fuel, an art not
then introduced into the United States, caused a greater part of such
Iron to be imported. It appears from a report to the Senate of Penn-
Bjlvania, that among the proposals to furnish railroad iron for the Co-
lumbia and Philadelphia Eadroad, received in May of the last year,
there were none for American iron, and contracts were made in England
for the whole quantity, at £6 lis. M. per ton.
The first attempt was about the same time made to introduce the use
of coke in the iron manufacture, by a bill to incorporate the " Pennsyl-
vania Coke and Iron Company." It passed the Senate, but was lost in
,y Google
1833] IRON rUftNACES— KAILBOAD&— HENKY ECKFOED. 311
the House, and having been again brought forward in this year passed
tbeHouBo,afterstrongoppoaitioii, on thoiethofFebrnary, byaToteof
fifty-one to forty-six. In Berks county, of that state, there were eleven
iron furnaces and twenty-two forges. At Reading, where manufacturing
operations first commenced about this time, the beautifal antliracite
stoves of Dr. Hott's invention were cast. One of tliem, either from
this furnace, or from Albany, is said to have been presented abont the
same time to the monks of St. Bernard, on the summit of the Alps.
The counties of Sussex, Warren, Morris, and Bergen, in Wew Jersey,
contained fifteen furnaces, and eighty-seven forge fires in operation!
Great importance liad been given to the iron mines of that region by
the completion of the Morris Canal.
Eight joint stock companies, with an aggregate capital of four mil-
lions of dollars, were incorporated thia year in Indiana, to construct rail-
roads from the Ohio river to Indianapolis, and different places on tbo
The number of raih-oads completed and in progress, on the first of
January of this year was nineteen, of an aggregate length of nearly
fourteen hundred miies, upwards of one hundred of which were already
completed.
A company was incorporated in Mississippi, in March, to establish a
Cotton manufactory, to be carried on by slave labor.
The eminent American naval architect, Henry Eckford, of New
York, died on the 12th November, in the service of Saltan Mahmoud,
of Turkey. In June of the last year, he finished for the emperor a
Bloop-of-war, and having soon after visited Constantinople, was offered
and accepted the situation of chief naval constructor for the empire,
and proceeded to organize a navy yard, and to lay the keel of a ship'
of-the-Iine, in which service he died snddenly at the age of fifty-seven,
when about to be made a Bey of the Empire, in acknowledgment of his
professional abilities. He had previously furnished President Jackson
with a plan for the entire reorganization of the American Navy, and
made preparations to publish a work on Naval Architecture and had also
laid aside $20,000 to establish i profess jrship of Ntval Architecture m
Columbia College, under Mr. Doughtv an em nent naval constructor
Works were erected at Jaffiey N H for the mannfacture of sug^r
and molasses from potatoes, according to a piocess descnbed in Silh
man's Journal.
The Patent Laws underwent tome mndifiLation during this jear
Among the patents issued weie the following to E and 1 Fairbanl s
St. Johnsbiiry, Vt , Feb. 21 for balance f r we gl ng hea^y bjdi s,
and to the same, Sept, 22, twj patents f rl hi ce tethauls etc Join
,y Google
372 PATENTS— PEESIDEHT'S MESSAGE. [1832
and diaries Bruce, Kings county, N". Y,, March 13, macliine for cut-
ting crackers and biscuit. [It performed the whole work of the "batch,"
and turned out complete about two hundred pounds of biscuit per hour]
Eliphalet Snow, Mansfield, Conn., March 16, and Charles C. Greene,
Windsor, Vt., May 31, for ailk reels ; Frederick A. Taft, Dedham, Mass.,
May 11, mannfacturing paper for covered buildings ; John Ames, Spring-
field, Mass., March 12, reissue of patent of May 14, 1822 ; to the same,
Sept. 1, for sizing paper ; to A. H. Jeryis and Thomas French, Ithiea,
K. y., Nov. 6,liotand coldcylinder paperpress; Thomas Ewbank, New
York, May 16, coating pipes with tin; John J. Howe, North Salem,
N. Y., Juno 23, manufacturing pins. [This valuable machine formed
the head of a coil of line wire by dies, completing a pin at each turn of
a crank, at the rate of forty to fifty per minute. The machines were
introduced the next year by the Messrs. Iloe & Co., of New York. In
1835, the Howe Manufacturing Company was organized in that city to
carry on the manufacture under the patent. It was also patented in
England and Prance afterward,] Eliphalet Nott, Schenectady, N. Y.,
Oct. 35, anthracite coal stoves; Felix Fossard, Pittsburg, Pa,, April
23, dyeing with alkaline prnssiates ;' Edward Evans, Salem township.
Pa., tanning without the use of lime, or sweating hides. This method
of uahairing hides by sweating- had been previously known in Pennsyl-
vania, Maryland, and Jersey, aBd about this time was generally adopted
in the large sole leather factories of New York and other places.
In view of the great discontent manifested toward the tariff, by the South-
ern people, and which even threatened a disruption of the Union, as well as
Ifm on account of the ample means in the public treasury for extin-
guishing the remainder of the public debt, amounting on the first
of January to a fraction under seven millions of dollars, the President
once more recDmmended to Congress a reduction of the duties on im-
ports, to a scale adapted to a strictly revenne standard, as soon as prac-
ticable. ' In eftectmg this adjustment," he says, " it is due in justice to
the interests of the different states, and even to the pieservation of the
Union itself that the piotection afforded by csistmg laws to any branch
of industry, should not exceed what may be neeessaiy to counteract
the regulations of loreign nations, and to secnre a supply of those aiti-
(1) Speoimens of blus broadoloth, dcno the dyowaa tebovodto haie miDj ailyi
(ninnted Lafajette blus, rande at Deilliain,
Maas., and djod by P. Tnsaard, Philadel
phin, with prusaiade of potash, were exhi-
bited at the Fair in the Amerionu Institute,
New York, in the following year. The
mordante used was sulphatQ of iron, and
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By 1 t fth & te fD ml 13, th Secreto,j.„then,-
foto railed upon, with as little delay ,s possible, to famish the project of a
bill for ledocmg the duties ou imports, in conformity with suggestions
contained in his annual report.
The Committee of Ways and Means,' through Mr. Terplanck a fe»
days after, reported to the House a bill "to reduce or otherwise alter
(I) The Com
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i.Google
ST4 clay's COMPKOMISE TAItlri? ACT. [1833
the duties on imports." It went to repeal the act of 1832, passed after
mature deliberation, and which, bad not yet gone into operation, and
contemplated an annnal revenne of fifteen millions of dollars, twelve
and a half millions of which were to be derived from cnstoms upon sixty
to seyenty millions of dutiable commodities annually imported. The
rates proposed were from ten to twenty per cent., with variations in
special cases, as upon lead, iron, spirits, wines, silks, etc. ; and the bil!
was framed on the basis of the acts of 1816 and 1818, which were
believed to have given ample protection to manufactnres, as shown by
their great increase from 1816 to 1824. The bil! restored the dnties on
tea and coffee, and was favorable to the iron, coal, tobacco, and some
other interests ; but the duties on foreign cottons and woolens, by the
abandonment of the minimum system, were lower than under the act of
1816, but the duty on wool and other materials was also rednced. This
bill, which vias intended as a concession to the South, the committee
said, if adopted, might "serve as a basis for a financial system for many
years," After a protracted debate, Mr, Verplanek's bill was recom-
mitted to a committee of the whole, with instructions to report Mr.
Clay's bill from the Senate instead, which passed the House on the fol-
lowing' day by a vote of 119 to 85.
This measure, known as the Compromise Act, was introduced in the
Senate on 12th Febniary, by Mr. Clay, who, in explaining the principles
by which he was guided in submitting a modification of the tariff, de-
clared that he considered the protective system in imminent danger, and
said : " When I look to the variety of interests which are involved, to
the number of individuals interested, the amount of capital invested, the
yaiue of buiidinga erected, and the whole arrangement of the business
for the prosecution of the various branches of the manufacturing arts
which have sprung up under the fostering care of this government, I
cannot contemplate any evil equal to the sudden overthrow of all these
interests. History can produce no parallel to the extent of the mischief
which would be produced by such a disaster. The repeal of the Edict
of Ifantes itself was nothing in comparison with it."
The act provided that where the dnties upon imports exceeded tvrenty
per cent, on the value thereof, there should be deducted, after the 31st
December of this year, one tenth of the excess above twenty per cent.,
and that a like reduction of one tenth should be made every second
year until the 31st December, 1841, when one half of the residue of
such excess should be deducted, and the remaining half after the 30th
June, 1842, from which time the duties upon imports were to be tiventy
per cent. The valuation was to be made at the port of entry, and the
duties were to be paid in cash, the credit system being abolished.
i.Google
ISOaJ TARIFF ACTS— IJVE OAK. 315
Coarse wooleDS, costing not over thirty-five cents a yard, wliicli, by tlie
act of 1832, were admitted, as negro clothing, at five per cent, duty, by
way of coneessioQ to the Southern States, were restored to the duty of
fifty per cent, with other woolens, subject to the deductions provided for.
Linens, stnff goods, and silks (except sewing, which paid forty per cent.)
were admitted free of dnty after June 1S*3 as was also a considerable
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,y Google
^"^^ GEOLOGICAL SUEVETS — SALT.
[1833
primlB loacis were 8,9t5, sufflclent on the above estiiratu for ten to
tortj-three vessels. The actual nse of live oak ttaber for small repairs
of live oak vessels duping the last thirtj-Sve jeai-s was estimated at one
thousand feet annualljj and durinj the last ten jears twelve hundred
feet annnollj. The future demands were estimated at three thousand
four hundred feet annually, for small or ordinary repairs. All the timber
used in the frames of pnhlic vessels constructed since 1797 was about
974,363 cubic feet, or 27,838 per year on an average. The price for
live oak timber suitable for ships of the line, delivered at the yards was
ia 1799 $1.33 per cable foot j in 1801, |2 ; in 1816, $1.56 for fiimes
of seventy-fours; in 1837, »1.37 for the same; and in this year for
frames for frigates tl.os to $1.50. No further purchases of live oals
lands or artaflcial cultivation of the tree was recommended.
A report was made, February 21, by the Committee on Miiilaty
Affairs, in accordance with a resolution of the House, upon the expe-
diency of employing a suitable person, in aid of the Topograpiilcal
Bureau, to ascertain the mineralogy and geology of each of the several
states of tlie Union, with « view to the construction of a mineralogical
and geological map of the United States. The subject was recommended
as one of great national importance, and an approppiatioa for tiie pur.
P g t d Th p t 1 Wh 1 t II th f d t V
th C tdbtt h b d mdw tlyth tt t dp
alth has I I ft t 1 t It
th t p bl g t h h H h
1
11 t 1 f t 1 by
b f 11 w d 1 ) my
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Amm If mm h t fBIlm ked f d t fth
' ' mm It I tl d ty f si salt, which
last was imported at a duty of one cent a bushel, at a low freight, in
British ships coming empty to Nova Scotia for timber, greatly to the
benefit of the British and the injury of Ameriean shipping. A manu-
factory of rock salt in the State of Maine, using the imported article,
was complained of as a monopoly, ruinous to the manufacturers of com-
mon salt. It was able to make and sell rock salt at twenty-five cents a
bushel, while Liverpool common salt cost thirty-five cents, under a duty
(1) The first sompleta geologioal snrvey on the Eoonomio Geology of Maeanohusem
of a whole Btato, under aethority of govern- and Ibie year pnblbhed a'-Heport on the
mont, was that of Maeaaohnsotla, made by Geology, Zoology, and BoUny of Massa-
Dr. EdirnnI Hitoheook, who was appointed ohnsetls," with plates,
in 1830, and in 1S31 made bis Erst report
i.Google
1833J BILK — MBRIDEN — MIBDl^TOWN. STT
0-f ton cents a busliol ; and it was estimated to have made in the last
year a clear proSt of $100,000.
Tiie House ordered two thousand copies of tlie Manual on Silt, pub-
lislied hj J. H. Cobb, nuder tlie patronage of the Massachnsetta Legis-
lature, to be pablished for distribution by the members. About one
dozen mills for the manufacture of silli goods had been erected in the
IToited Slates, chiefly in New England, since 1828, with a view of using
imported raw sillt until a domestic supply could be had. By increased
attention, several persons this year succeeded, as a few had done before,
in raising two crops of silk, some of wliich was exhibited at the Fair of
the American Institute in New Yoi'lt, The morus multicaulis was used
as food for worms. A siilc factory at Maus&eid, Conn., under an English
manufacturer, with swifts for winding hard eiik, employed thirty-two
spmdJes for soft silk winding, and two broad and one fringe silk loom.
It had machineiy enough to employ thirty broad looms and fifty Iiands.
The New England Lace Factory, at Kewburyport, Mass., with a
capital of |I50,000, was incorporated; but was compelled to suspend
opeiations Jour or five years after.
The manuftctnres of Meriden, Conn., amounted to about one million
dullais in v^lu0 One company employed two hundred and fifty hands
in the manufacture of Britannia wares, such as coffee pots and mills,
spoons, waffle irons, signal lanterns, etc., to tlie value of $300,000 per
annum, and another made to the amount of $35,000. The other mann-
factures weie, wooden clocks to the value of $50,000 ; ivory, wood, box-
wood, and horn combs, worth about |iO,000 ; auger bits and rakes,
$30,000; tinware, (its earliest extensive manufacture,) about $90,000;
also Japiuned m are, boots, shoes, etc. Middletown, in the same state,
had manufactories of arms for the United States service, one factory
making anumllv hftecn hundred rifles, milled in all the parts ; another
two thousand milled muskets; another twelve hundred guns, which were
cast Theie were also large factories of cotton yarn, broadcloth, web-
bing, combs, Uuntei'H scales, machinery, pewter, axes, tinware, paper,
gunpowder and jewelry, and about two hundred thousand cofl'ee mills
wuie made annually. The yearly value of its manufactures was about
$100,000
The capital invested in Manufactures in Lowell, Mass., was |6, 150, 000.
The numbei of large mills (five stories high) in actual operation was
nineteen, the spindles, 84,000, looms 3,000, operatives 5,000, of whom
0,800 wore females 2T,000,000 yards of cotton were annually manu-
fictured from 200,000 bales of cotton, 150,000 yards of eassimeres, and
120,000 yards of ingrained, Brussels, and other carpeting, for all which
the workmen received $1,200,000 per annum. There were two hundred
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318 LOWELL— FALL EIVEH— SACO. [1833
macUiLiiats, wlio worked up six liundrcd tous of iron animally into
machinery, Upwards of five thousand tons of anthracite coal, besides
otlier fuel, it was computed, were eonsunied annually. There were only
five factones in operation in 1831, which made from twelve to fourteen
millions of yards of cloth per annum, equal to one yard per second.
Fall Eiver, Mass., where the first cotton mill wa,s erected in 1812,
BOW contained thirteen cotton factories, one satinet factory, employing
one hundred and fifty hands, and the Anawan iron works and nail manu-
factory. The cotton factories made about 9,160,000 yards annually.
The largest was the Massasoit, which ran 10,000 spindles, 350 looms,
and employed 400 bands, using 810 000 pounds of cotton The whole
number of spindles was 31 500 looms 1 050 hands emploved 12 6 and
the cotton consumed was " '>10 000 pounls The calco vo ks alone
employed 260 bands, and tl e ron wo ks consnm doe thousand toni
of iron annually. Popnlat on al t five tl onsan 1
The York Manufacturing tomja y of Saco Me completed a new
four story cotton mill in the ilaee of the fi st one wh h nas le troyel
by fire in 1830. They commenced operat ona unlertle supe ntenlence
of Mr, Samuel Batchelder, v tl eigl t thou '\ad sp n lie m 1 w th n the
next four years added two other 1 rge mils Tl ej I al nl at th s
time a rolling mill and nail factory Mhchmadefo h ndelton ofnala
annually.
The high duties levied in I er upon tl e i r nc pal A ne ict ex| o ts
had caused a great decline tl e trade w th that eonntrr W th the
republic of Chili, however a tr aty of im ty a 1 commerce had been
made, and a valuable trade ex sted w th ts po ts wl h were the reso t
of American fishing vessels F om the 20th to SOtl A gu t of th s
year, 2,603 bales of one th usand yards eae! of Amer cin n nufact ed
cottons arrived at Valparaiso. These fabrics had driven the English
cottons out of the market ; and the proceeds being paid chiefly in gold,
enabled the ships to make a profitable return voyage by way of China.
The exports to ChOi this year amounted to |1,463,940.
The whole value of domestic cotton manufactures exported this year
was $2,532,561; of which about $36,000 went to the East Indies,
^213,000 to China, upward of $900,000 to Mexico, and the rest princi-
pally to Central America, Columbia, Eraail, Buenos Ayres, and Chili.
A locomotive engine, called the Pennsylvania, invented by CoL S. H.
Long, T7. S. A., and built in the last year by Matthew W. Baldwin of
Philadelphia, waa put upon the Philadelphia and Germantown Railroad
in January' of this year. This engine, which was about the first success-
ful American locomotive, is said to have mn a mile in less than a minute,
and drew thirty-two tous at the rate of fifteen miles an hour. Its per-
,y Google
1833] BALDWIN'S .WORKS — IKDIA EUBEEIt GOODS. 8T9
formanoe was not escaoded for several years. During this and the fol-
lowing year, five enginca were bniU at the same factory ; and the present
extensive works of the proprietor on Broad street were compleled. In
the next three years about one hundred locomotives were built there,
aad namerouB improvements have been made in the constraction of loco-
motives by Mr. ISaldivin and his associates.' A very successful locomo-
tive was also constructed at this time by Mr. R. L. Stevens, of Hoboken,
and placed on the Camden and A mboy Railroad, which then had bat
two others.
Nine railroad companies, with a capital of $7,liO,000, were incorpo-
rated in New Jersey previous to this year. Since March, 1801, fifty-
fonr turnpike companies were authorized in that state.
The New York Mechanics' Institute was incorporated April 24. It
has established classes in modeling, machinery, architectural and orna-
mental drawing, a winter course of lectures, reading room, and library
of six thousand volumes ; all of which are free to mechanics, working-
men, and apprentices of the city.'
Mr. Mariner, of New York, this year introduced a process for coating
leatiier, cotton, linen, silk, etc., and for making them into water proof
India rubber garments. Tiiese fabrioa were made by George Spring, 55
Pine street. India rubber shoes, hose, coats, life preservers, carriage
traces, etc., were made at this time at the first American rubber raanu-
fafitory, established in Roxbnry, Mass. The foreman of the factory
claimed the invention of a new and cheap solvent for caootchouc, the
receipt for which he kept secret, and deposited under seal in one of the
banks, for the benefit of his heirs. Boots made in New York, and sent
to South America, to be varnished with the fresh joice as it exuded from
the tree, to be returned and soid as gam elastic hoots, were exhibited at
the American Institute Fair this year by J. M, Hood, of Wall street ;
along with garments from the Roxbury factory, a diving dross from
Boston, etc. India rubber carpets were about this time made by Dr.
Alexander Jones, of Mobile, of rich figures and beautiful colors, and
impervioaa to water or grease, by covering successive layers of paper
and wall paper glned to canvas with a varnish of India rubber. Neat
durable eai-pets, made of good papering, cost about thirty-seven and a
half cents per yard ; and richer ones, adorned with gold or silver leaf,
for one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents per yard.
A single publishing house in Philadelphia — that of Gary, Lea &
Blanchard — were said to have paid annually during the last five years to
American authors and writers the sum of thirty thousand dollars. The
(1) L R ad inj- Pursuits and Lottding Men, (2} Ereoch'a Gnaetteepof NewTock, 1860.
,y Google
380 HABPEES — HEWAEK — OIMLEIS^-PATENTa [1833
brotliers James and John Harper, of New York, who in 1816 were
joarneymea printers, worliing at hand-presses in that city, now owned
an establishment of their own, whicli was one of the largest in the city.
It employed seyen hand-presses, one horse-power press, (doin^ the work
of seven hand-presses,) and 140 workmen ; and they paid $100 per diem
in wages, $300 for paper, and |1,000 per annum for postage.
The town of Newark, N. J., contained sixteen extensive factories of
saddlery and harness, employing 212 hands, a capital of $217,300, and
yielding a product of $3i6,2h0 per tnaum independently of the coach
makers, who made their own siddlery ind hampss Ten carriage fac-
tories, having 11^ workmen, and a capital ot $202 ^lOO, produced car-
riages to the value of $593,000 including pbting and Jampmaking, etc.,
which was generally done by themselves The shoe factories were
eighteen in number, with 1,0T5 hind^ and a capital of $300,000 ; and
their product was $601,450. They consumed $iOO,000 worth of leather.
Nine hat manufactories employed 487 hands; capital, $106,000 ; pro-
duct, $551,700. Thirteen tanneries, with 103 hands and $78,000 in
capita], returned an annual product of $503,000. In addition to these
principal manufactures, there were also considerable manufactures of
soap and candles, iron and brass castings, malleable iron, coach springs,
tin and sheet ironware and stoves, a hardware manufactory, and two
patent leather manufactories.' About two hundred thousand dollars
worth of mauufacturea, principally shoes, were sent to New York in two
days during this year.
The Novelty Works, for the manufacture of platform scales and
domestic hardware, was established at Pittsburg, Pa., by L. R. Liv-
ingston.
There were Gimlet factories at Whately, Buckland, Keene, and in
Franklin county, N. H., and one in Connecticut. The nevv twist gimlet
was considered as much superior to the old English as the American
screw-anger was to the old auger.
Patents.— William Edwards, Masonville, N. T., Feb. 13, softening,
breaking, and fulling hides. This hide mill, for softening and preparing
hides by a process similar to the fulling of cloth, instead of soaking and
breaking over the beam as formeriy, was a valuable improvement.
Kobert C. Manners, Boston, Feb. 13, lithography applied to the print-
ing of books; Sereno Newton, New Tori;, Feb. 26, double cylinder
register printing press— also for a double Napier printing press ; Robert
L. Stuart and Alexander Stuart, New York, March 7, applying syrnp
by steam in the manufacture of confectionery; Charles J. Gajler, New
York, April 12, fire-proof iron chest ; Joseph Francis, New York, April
(I) Gordun's GEiiettccr of Kew Jersey.
,y Google
1833J PATKNTS — JAOKSON ANB THE BANK. 381
23, portable screw Ijoats ; Samnel D. Breed, Fhiladelpliin, June 29,
hosG from cloth and gntn elastic ; Matthew W. Baldwin, Philadelphia,
Jnne 39, wheels for locomotive carriages and railroad cars ; John Elgar,
Philadelphia, Nov. 29, wheels for railroad carriages ; James Bogavdus,
New York, Sept. IT, metallic slides and cases for ever-pointed pencils ;
Edward M. Convene, Soathington, Conn., Nov. 19, a wiring machine
for tin plate ware ; Herrick Aiken, Dracut, Mass., Dee. 16, sockets or
hafts for awls and other tools. [The pegging haft is deemed one of the
most nseful among tlie minor inventions connected with the shoe mana-
faeture.J P. W, Geisenhainer, New York, Dec. 19, making iron and
steel by anthracite coal; Obed Ilassey, Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec. 31,
machine for cutting grain. A public trial of this valaable reaper was
first made in July of this year, before the Hamilton County Agricaltnral
Society, near Carthage, Ohio ; and the nest year it was introduced in
Illinois and New York, and soon after in other states. In 1838 the
patentee established a manufactory in Baltimore. This machine, though
not the first horse-power reaper, was superior to any in use, anfl cnt
grain as fast as eight persons could bind it.
The usual excitement arising from the qivestion of protective duties
gave place, daring the first session of the twenty-third Congress, to dis-
cussions growing oat of the conflict between the executive
department and the United States Bank. The President, in
view of the expiration of the charter of that institution, on the 3d
March, 1836, and in doubt of its constitutionality 'and solvency, and
parity of action, as intimated in his m&ssago to Congress, directed the
Secretary of the Treasary, before the ro-asaembling of Congress to with-
draw the government deposits from its vaults, and to lodge them with
certain state banks, notwithstanding a vote of the Hoase that they might
be safely continued in that bank. The reasons for the removal of the
deposits were communicated to Congress by Mr. Secretary Taney at
the present session, and the act was virtually allowed ; although nume-
roas petitions were presented for the restoration of the government
monies to the national bank.
The number of banking institutions in the TJuited States had mcieased
from three in 1191, with a capital of two milhons of dollars, to 246,
with an aggregate capital of $89,823,423, in 1816, when the United
States Bank was chartered, until on the first of January of the present
year, the nnmber was 503, their united capital $168,821,803, their issues
$18,342,528, and the specie in their vaults $11,388,430; the deposits
amounting to |G6,216,08T. Including the bank of the United States,
the whole banking capital of the Union at this time amounted to
1834
,y Google
882 BANKS — ACTS OP COKGI^Ees — TARIFF. [183i
$203,827,883 ; the issues to $9T,550,90t ; specie in yaults, SaT.Sgi.GBT ;
deposits, STI,181,i62 ; and discounts, $325,599,843.
The banks were distributed as follows: iu New England 2-il, the
proportion of whose notes to their capital was thirty-three per cent. ;
in Ifew York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, 173,
proportion sixty per cent. ; Virginia, North and Soath Carolina, Georgia,
and Florida, thirty-nine, proportion of notes seventy per cent. ; Ala-
bama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, eighteen, proportion of notes twenty-six
per cent, ; Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana Illinois Mi«--oun and
Michigan, thirty-one, proportion Sfty-fiye pei cent The nhole circula-
tion of the state banks was about fortj-six per tent tf then capital ;
and that of the United States, including the natmnil bink a Iittk less
than fifty per cent, of their capital.^
Among the acts of the session was one of I ehruarv 26 to authonzo
G. B. Lamar, of Savannah, Ga., to import, free of duty, an iron steam-
boat, with its machinery and appurtenances, foi the puipose of making
an experiment of the aptitude of iron steamboats for the navigation of
shallow waters ; one of June 30, empowering tJio Secretary of the Nivy
to examine and test a steam engine devised byBenjimm Phill pi* of
Phiiadelpliia, and such other improvements m the same line as might
thereafter be presented, for which five thousand dollars were appropri-
ated ; one of the same date, appropriating eight hundred dollars to
procure a marble bust, executed by an Amencan artist, of the late Judge
Ellsworth ; and one modifying the duty on manufactures of lead,
A report on the subject of the coil tiade, made by a committee of the
Senate of Pennsylvania, stated that among othei points they had been
led to consider " whether the bituminous c al of Pecnivlvan i can lie
brought into general nse east of the mcuntams foi nanufactuimg par
poses ; and be transported to the eastern marl ets upm snch tram's at to
supersede the use of foreig-n coals." The pr ce of coals s nee the com
meneeraent of the trade, appeared to hive 1 een httie inflnenLed by tho
tariff, bnt almost entirely by the scarcity anl deminl In 1815 when
the duty on foreign coals was three dolKrs and sixty cents the price in
New York was twenty-three dollars ppr chaldron of thirty sis bushels ,
from 1816 to 1823, under a duty of one dollar and eighty cents the
average price was about eleven dollars Its price m 1321 under that
duty, was fourteen dollars ; and in 1830 wheu the duty was two dolJars
and sixteen cents, the price was only eight dollars. The average price
from 1834 to 183i was ten dollars ; and in the latter year it declined to
five dollars and five dollars fifty cents. The average increase in the
(1) Pitkin's StatistioE, 2d ed.
,y Google
183i] CAKPETS — STATI8TI0S OP
conauiiiptiuii of Pennsjlvania coal since 1820 was a fraction more than
one third jeady.
The esisteace of bituminous coal in Alabama was at this time first
noticed by Di-. Alexander Jones, of Mobile,
In the mauufaeture of Carpets, wbicli had rapidly increased in the
United States within a few years, it was ascertained that there were in
operation in December eighteen to twenty factories, containing at least
511 carpet looms. Of these, eighteen were for Brussels, twenty-one for .
treble-ingrained, 434 for other ingrained, forty-four for Tenitian, and
four for damask Venitian. They produced the following quantities of
the several kinds, at aa average value of one dollar per yard, Tiz. :
Brussels, 21,600 yards; three-pJy, 31,500; other ingrained, 954,000;
Tenitian, 132,000 ; damask Venitian, 8,400 ; total, 1,14T,500 yards.
The American market was in a great measure supplied with domestic
corpetings of all kinds. The average quantity imported from 1838 to
1833 was 536,296 yards, valued at the place of export at $416,944 ; and
in 1833 the quantity was 344,113 yards, worth $319,592. In some
states large quantities of carpeting of inferior quality were made in
families, and in 1832 it was officially reported that four counties of New
Hampshire exported to other states carpeting of household manufacture
probably e il 1 11 th f t 1 onsnmed in them.
The tot 1 1 r tl d m t I d tt ns consumed in the
United St t th a i i I t t I t f t millions— estimated
according t tl mft G t B t which was equal to
$160,000,000 t 1 JI p h Ml d Id Ireland, eight dol-
lars per he d— w $123,000,000 , t the lower estimate ^94,000,000,
The aggregate value of all the manufactures of the United States was
estimated at not less than three hundred and twenty-five to three hundred
and fifty millions per annum.' The foreign articles consumed in the
country, after deducting teas, wines, coffee, and spices, did not exceed
fifty millions of dollars per annum.
The product of raw cotton throughout the world was this year
officially estimated at nine hundred millions of pounds of which the
United States produced four liundred and sixty millions in the follow-
ing proportions : Alabama and Mississippi each eighty fli e millions,
Georgia seventy-fire, South Carolina sixty-five and a ! alf L s i a
sixty-two, Tennessee forty-five, Florida twenty Yiig a a ten North
Carolina nine and a half, and Arkansas half a mill on pounds Tie
total value of the crop was computed to be seventy-six m il s of dol~
lars, and the quantity exported was three hundred an 1 e ghty four
(1) Pitlfiu'a Statistics.
,y Google
384 COTTON CLOTUS— 0IN3— OIL. [Iggj
miUions of pounds, worth fortj-nine millions of dollars, whiuli inelnded
eight millions and eightj-B™ thonsand ponnds of se. island cotton from
South Carolina and Georgia.'
The qnantity of cotton long cloths imported this year from the tfniied
Slates into China was 134,000 pieces, and of cotton domestics 32,743
pieces; while of cotton goods the whole importation into that oon'nlrj
in British Tcssels was onlj 16,933 pieces. The Importation of American
piece goods was nearly donble that of the previous year," amounting to
34,745 pieces. An extensive manufacturer of Glasgow, who had for
several years supplied Chili with cotton domestics, spun and woven In
his own works to the best advantage, had latterly been obliged to aban-
don the trade to American competition. At Manilla, 35,240 pieces of
thirty mch and 1,000 pieces of twenty-eight inch American gray cottons
were received, and only 1,832 pieces of Belfast manufacture. The ports
of Elo de Janeiro, Am Oayes, of Malta, Smyrna, and the Cape of
Good Hope, were also overstocked with American unbleached cottons,
to the exclusion of British goods, which they undersold.'
The rise in price of raw cotton during the last autumn caused many
New England factories to stop work. The establishment this year of a
cotton factory on a large scale, with the best muchlneij and many advan-
tages, at Lynchburg, Va., was regarded as opening a new era to that
section of the country.
The manntaotnre of cotton gins on an extensive scale was commenced
at this time In Autauga county, Ala., by Daniel Pratt, a native of New
Hampshire, who had been previously engaged In the business with Mr
S. Oriswold at Chnton, Ga. The reputation of his gins extended rapidly
throughout the Southwest, and in 1839 ho laid the foundation of the
flourishing village of Praltville, Ala., by building a saw mill, planing
mill, fionr and grist mill— the first of any note in the state— gin manu-
factory, etc ; and in 1846 added a large cotton factory, iron foundry,
and other works. In the first seventeen years he manufactured about
eight thonsand cotton gins.'
A large manufactory of oil from cotton seed was established In the
last year at Natchez, Miss., and others were building at Mobile, Ala
Florence, Ga., and Petersburg, Ta. The oil was used for muHng painti'
and when refined was said to bum well in lamps; and the oil cake wai
used as food for cattle.
A new machine for spinning flax and hemp for cordage was introdnced
about this time by Joseph Westeman of New York, which spun rope
(1) S.,„|«., w.ojb.,rt I.,,,,. (J) D. B„', B„I„, „1... 10, ,.,.
(2) Uro a CottOD Matiufaotnrea. Bonn's 326.
Ed., vol. i. pp. aliii-iv.
i.Google
1834] CORDAGE — MANATUNK — SALT — GOLD. dSO
yarn from hemp without previous batcheling, and without the conse-
quent loss of eight to ten per cent, from that cause. The saving was so
great that the rope manufacturers of Brookljn dare not, it was said,
introduce it into their factories in consequence of combinations among
the spinners. The machinery to spin a ton of hemp per diem, including
four machines called breakers, six finishers, two spinning and three
doubling frames, a four horse power engine, etc, cost nine thousand
dollai-s ; and the total cost of spinning a ton of hemp was $17.50.
The manufactures of Manaynnk, Pa., consisted at this time of Ripka's
Silesia factory, with 7,176 spindles, 234 looms and 300 hands, seven
cotton mills, with upward of twenty-two thousand spindles and about
one thousand hands ; nays' woolen factory with filty seven hands and
Darrock's woolen and hat factory, employing fifty se^en hands, New-
man's dyeing establishment, with eleven Kr^jp vats and twenty-one
hands; the Tlat Eock Iron Works, with thiity six hmds, Rowland's
saw finishing mill, turning out sixty mill-saws per week ; Eckstein's
paper mill, making three hundred reams weekly ; and two fiour mills,
making two hundred and fifteen barrels of flour daily.
An act of the New York Legislature reduced the duty on salt made
in the state from twelve and a half to six cents per bushel ; and an
amendment to tbc constitution, proposed this year a,nd. adopted the next,
authorised the transfer of the salt duties, after payment of the canal
debt, from the canal to the general fund of the state.
A State Geological Survey of Maryland was commenced this year by
Dr. J. T. Ducatel, and was completed in seven annual reports.
A report to the Senate of Pennsylvania gave the quantity of anthra-
cite coal sent to market from the Schuylkill coal region in the last year
as 429,933 tons ; and the capital invested was $5,022,780. Tlie whole
capital invested in the mining and transportation of coal, in canals, rail-
roads, coal lands, working capital, etc., was $19,176,217, exclusive of
storeionses, wharves, landings, vessels, etc., in Philadelphia and other
places.'
During the last four or five years, many thousands of persons had
engaged in gold washing in the Southern States ; and the amount col-
lected at this time in Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia,
was about one million dollars per annum. The product thenceforward
fell off to one half that amount, nntil mining in the solid rock was
attempted.
The number of Steamboats on the western waters was two hundred
and thirty, and their tonnage was estimated at thirty:nine tiiouaand
(1) Taylor on Coal, 2d Am. Ed., p. 35i, S63.
,y Google
000 EEPINED SUGAR — CASTINGS, [1834
tons, and the espease of runniug them at $4,644,000. The nnciber of
American steamers on Lake Erie was thirty-one, which, with 234
sclioonera aud three brigs, had a tonnage of 30,168. The first Associa-
tion of steamboat owners was formed at Buffalo during the last year,
where eloYen steamboats, costing $360,000, were employed ; and three
trips wore made to the apper lalces, two to Cliicago, and one to Green
Bay. One of the trips to Chicago occupied twenty-five days, and
another twenty-two days ; it has since been made in four days by a
saihng vessel. The association employed eighteen boats this year, worth
six hundred thousand dollars.
Refined Sugar, which had become an article of exportation, employed
at this date thirty-eight refineries in the TJnited States, the total product
of which was estimated to equal at least two millions of dollars. Prime
Louisiana sugars had proved on trial to be equally valuable for refining
Willi those of the West Indies. A large refiiiery, lately established near
New Orleans, used thirty hogsheads of raw sugar per diem. A know-
ledge of the art was promoted by the publication this year of a " Manual
on the Cultiration of the Sagar Cane, and the fabrication and refine-
ment of sugar," prepared by Professor Siliiman, in compliance with a
resoliition of the House of Eepresentatives of January 25, 1830.
Great perfection was at this time exhibited in the art of casting in
iron. The product of different establishments in the United States
showed fineness and beauty of workmanship, as well as elegance of de-
sign. The iron castings made at Albany, New York, were particularly
noted for their excellence, and were considered equal to any in the
world. The hollowware of Bartlett, Bent & Co. was preferred to the
best Scotch castings, and the stoves of Dr. Nott received the preference
wherever known. The machine castings of Maury & Wai-d were equal
to those of any country. Five establishments in the town melted annu-
ally about 2,500 toes of iron, and gave support to about four hundred
persons. Elegant fruit dishes, with open flower work, cast, an* theu
rendered malleable so as not to break, as well as breastpins of Kapoleon,
Bud other iron ornaments, rendered fashionable in Europe by the ex-
ample of tlie Queen of Prussia, were made at the foundry of Seth
Boyden, in Newark, New Jersey, who held letters patent for the process
of rendering castings malleabie. Beautiful specimens of small statuary,
and other fine eastings, rivalling those of Germany, were made at the
foundry of Mr. Francis Alger, in Boston,
The recent progress in the manufacture of American Hardware was
indicated by tlie increasing number of articles of domestic production
which began to compose the ordinary stock of the hardware merchants,
as well as by the improved quality of the goods. Several dealers in the
,y Google
1834] AMERICAN HARDWAEB, 381
principal cities were at this time chiefly, or altogether deyoted to the
sale of the American hardware, generally consigned to them by the man-
nfactarers, and sold almost exclusirely to the trade,' The samples
(1) Upon tha oarly hialory of the Ameri- limited, and embraced manj small article?,
oan Hardware trade, we have been farored ue sbell and other bnttcna, which have
with eDinmunicatioDs from gentlem t d t th b h f t 1
neflted with it from its origin. 8 m I Am g tb tapl t 1 1 ptbyth
renting reraimBOencea upon the aulj th litdl Qiy pttm
been sent to ue by John W. Quinoy Eqfl g 1 itt kti 1
New York, who has been identified th lli I h f t t b t d (
branch of the trade from ita oomm mt ylbl) Ih ddtp
to the present time— first in Bostoi d f h mm ( ra g b h th E Ch !
the last quarter of a eentury in N w Y k H qiqi d f Ph 1 d Iph d M Baat
His largeand intelligent acqnainla hm fC dNirHmpbl w
the snbjeotgivoa authority to his c mm I w 11 t w ) d 1 h dl R
oatioD, which we should be glad tg Idmllwth u) dbd
entire if oar space permitled. W I and wd wwb fWlh d
from him, and Mr. Hand of Philad Ipbla, Qi mtb f £ t (nb b d waa al
that about the year 1827, or 18 8 M dj P t ) p g wh 1 h ad
AmiLsa Goodyear, a manufacturer t m E h m t B f u
years of hay forks, buttons, and o(h t p t j 1 m d h y f k
cles at Salem tillage, near Waterbu yC hi yhAB llfth
neodeutj (who had been nacnstomed tatkhd dj as lyas 1S2
orders by aeml-annual visits to the city, 1B„0, but the list of Amen n 1
storing his goods in the WBrehonse of Mr. purehnsed and sold by hnrdw d 1
David W. Presoott,) opened in Church alley, at the close of this year (1831) mb d
in connection with his son, the late Charles the following goods furnished by M Q In
Goodyear of India rubber celebrity and eey f em a record before him. Homo of
d h managementof the latter mil th t cles were still more or loss largely
t re wb h it is believed, was the li t i mp t d as well as mode here, and are
h U t d Rtates for the sale of Am m k d thus [»]. Iron and brass wire
b d A. Goodyear & Son h g tton, cattle and wool cards, board
f 1 d th gh epeeulatioDS of th j ff m lis, brass andirons, ^brass head
p t eal estate, the busines J lid tongs, cast iron circular grid-
18 I passed into tha posae f b ng borers and reamers, *iron wire,
M rs C ti * H d bj wh m t 1 11 B t la tea and coffee pots, wood fau-
d ted id wl s ted h ms I 1 t wheel-heads, hoes (not __planterE'),
g rtyt uaalfhm yb cow bells, japanad lamps, black,
m f tar Ab t tl I m d t Ih b 11 I Us-eye and dark pan band-bells
b i w ol ram nd NwYk pwt faucet and molasaes g t In
by Ch phs Hubba d aft word Cas y m k 1 and small hemp, bed c d 1 thes
dHb dwhwefllwi 1^9 1 w dow oord, ooil rope of 1 mp and
by Oeorga H. Gray & Co., and Has d in 11 Sbruahas, vis., scrnbb ng fl
Srocn, of Boston. At that time th w P t f niture, horsa, shoe, ha n h
but one hardware a^ore in tho CD try f d b, hearth, etc. ; sand b -^ s ale
one handrodfcotin depth, those of f ty t b in ad iron stands of ain 1 gh
sixty feet deep being considered fi t 1 b U whides, 'inkstands, *gnntar scales,
stores, and a rant of $1,000 por m b d ules, ganging rods, *pookel rules,
rather 0 high one. Tho number of rt 1 tw d four-fold; britannia tumblers and
tained by the largest doalars w q t b 11 Kooopcrs' asas, *ailaea ond draw-
i.Google
SS8 -WOOD BCHEWS IMrORTED — AMES' COMPANY. [183i
were generally limited to a few shelves, and the profits were extremely
small, compared with thoao on hardware. The general prejudice
was strongly in favor of foreign goods, and the introduction of a new
article of domestic manafacture was extremely slow and difScnlt for
many years, the prejudice only giving place by degrees to the manifest
superiority in quality or cheapness of the latter. The limited and fluc-
tuating character of the protection, as yet aJTorded bj the tariff, also
retarded the growtt of this branch.
Hammered brass kettles or battery begin at this time to be first
made in the United States at Wolcottviile Coiraecticnt, by Mr. Israel
Coe. It has since been extensively manufactuied hy rolling at Birming-
ham, in the same state and elsewhere
Wood screws were this ynr hrst made by machinery at Providence,
Rhode Island, where the Ifew England fetiew Company, and another
mp m d
mp d $ m d
,y Google
1834] AXES — SHOVELS — MAHBLE — PAPER. 389
and a jear or two later, the largest manufacturer of swords ia the coun-
try was Robert Keyworth, of Washington city.
Tailors' cast steel shears, with German silver and malleable iron
handles, and carying knives, made by R. Ward and E. Hcinish, of New-
York; framing chisels, by Wolcott & Russell; mortice chisels, by Hay
& Galloway; augers, by Dwight & Sons; bank and store locks, with
16,382 combinations (afterward picked and improved upon by Newell),
made by Andrews & Co., of Perth Amboy; with brass and copper
wares, from Ludlam's factory, were among the goods exhibited at the
American Institute, during the last autumn.
American axes and locks were acknowledged to be the lest in the
world. There were two axe factories at New Haven, Connecticut, those
of Alexander HaiTison, and of Collins & Company— the latter was ca-
pable of finishing two hundred axes per diem, the former one hundi-ed
and fifty. The steam axe factory of Mr. Maule, twelve miles from
Wheehng, Virginia, manufactured to the value of $10,000 per annum.
Door locks began to be made there the next year by Tierpont &, Hotch-
Oliver A
e exten-
sive shovel _ E B d neat West
Eridgewat H I turn out
forty dozen g ty different
hands, and $ m
A factory, which employed one hundred and fifty saws, was erected at
Black river, in Plymouth, Vermont, for the manufacture of marble, from
the white and variegated primitive limestone. Scagliola, or compo-
sition marble, both plain and sculptured, of various colors and fine
polish, was about this time first successfully made in New York, by Clark
and Dougherty. Friezes, capitols, and other composition ornaments,
are noticed as new articles in New York, at this date.
Experiments made by Dr. Jones, of Mobile, showed that paper of
excellent quality could be made from the husks of Indian eorn,'and va-
rious kinds of wood and bark, particularly that of several kinds of
poplar, birch, and other trees. Several reams of good printing paper
were made this year by Dr. Daniel Stebbins, of Northampton, Massa-
chusetts, from the foliage and bark of the mulberry tree, as in China,
Daring the year Mr. Stebbins obtained from China probably the first
seeds received in this country of the genuine Canton or Chinese mul-
berry tree, and in order to encourage the making of bark silk paper, etc.,
from its bark and leaves, he erected a large cocoonery, and kept up a
nursery of the trees for many years, without cventaal success.
The manufacture of " pressed glass," by means of metallic moulds,
,y Google
390 THI'sfirAL I-ifENTS, [1834
in imitation of cut glass — an Ameiican infention-!-was this year intro-
duced into Englind by Measri Richardacn, of Strowbridge.
Patents. — bamucl P Maaou, Kilhngly, Oonn., Jan. 11, spinning
cotton and silk, Chailes Goodyear Philadelphia, Feb. 5, faucets or
molasses gates; Nathaniel Benedict, jr., Abel Benedick, and A. H.
Hotehkias, Sharon, Conn,, Feb. 10, cast iron sleigh runners; Lot Breea
and Ezra Brees, Lunernc county. Pa., Feb. 10, doable grooved cast iron
sleigh shoes; John H. Hageumacker, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 11, new-
American silver; Daniel Neall, Philadelphia, Feb. 13, Wm. E. Col-
lier, Washington, D. C, April 11, Otis Tufts, Boston, Aug. 23, and
Adam Ramage, Philadelphia, Nov. 19, each for a printing press;
James Sellers, Philadelphia, Feb. ]8, covering window and other frames
with wove wire ; Margaret Gerrish, Salem, Mass., manufacturing the
external fibres of the Asclepias Syriaca ; James Bogardoa, New York,
April!, gold cleaner; Levi Ward, assignee of Phcebe At well, Wal-
worth, N. T., April 30, extracting far from skins and manufacturing it
into jam; Edwin M. Chaffee, Rosbury, Mass., May 11, making boots
and shoes from India rubber leather; Isaac Fisher, jr., Springfield, Vt,
June 14, four patents for malting, softening, etc., sand paper; Oyms
H. McCormick, Rockbridge Co., Va. , June 3 1, cutting grain of all kinds.
[This was for the celebrated reaping machine, which took the great
medal at the World's Fair, in London, in 1851. It will cut twenty acres
a day. The patent was renewed in 1845, and has recently espired,
having yielded the patentee between one and two millions of dollars.]
James Rennie, Lodi, N. Y., Aug. 9, dyeing and printing with two or
more colors at one impression ; Samuel Guthrie, Sacketts Harbor, N".
Y., Aug. 31, percussion powder for discharging arms; M. W, Bald-
win, Philadelphia, Sept. 10, steam engine, locomotive, and cars; Henry
Blair (colored man), Glenross, Md,, Oct. 14, seeding corn planter;
Henry Burden, Troy, N. Y,, Oct. 14, furnace for heating bar iron;
Patrick Maekie, New York, Oct. 16, and Dec. 3, covering ropes with
caoutchouc; John W. Cochran, Lowell, Mass., Oct. 33, rotary cylinder
cannon; reissued for many-chambered cannon, March 23, 1836, in
which year a factory in Springfield, Mass., made eight of Cochran's
many-chambered rifles weekly; Dennison Olmstead, New Haven, Conn.,
Nov. 5, furnace for anthracite; reissued Oct. 14, 1835; Charles Wood-
worth, Barre, Me., Nov. 17, and Dec. 23, machine for splitting palm leaf.
The State of New York contained in Januai7 of this year, according
to the State Census, among other manufacturing establishments, one
1R11 hundred and twelve cotton factories, two hundred and thirty-four
woolen, thirteen glass, sixty-three rope, seventy paper, and twen-
ty-fouc oil cloth factories, and two hundred and ninety-three iron works.
,y Google
1835] COTTON MILLS IN NEW YORK — MOEUS MULTICAULIS. 391
The cotton mills employed a capital of $3,669,600, spindles 151,316,
hands 13,954, and produced upward of twenty-one oiillion yards of cloth.
The woolen, cotton, and linen cloths made in familiea, amounted to more
than eight and a half million yards. Tbe namber of sheep in the state
was about four and a half millions.
An ofBcial but defectiYe census of Illinois, gave in that state tliree
hundred and thirty-nine man a factories, nine hundred and sixteen mills,
eighty-seven manufacturing machines, and one hundred and forty-two
diBtilleries.
Samuel Slater, the father of the American cotton manufacture, died
at Webster, Massachusetts, on the 20th April, in the sixty-seventh year
of his age.
Considerable escltement began about this time to be manifested, par-
ticularly in New England, on the subject of the silk culture, and the
rearing of the mulberry tree. The interest shown hy Congress, and by
several of the state legislatures, within the last few years in the promo-
tion of silk growing, by means of publications, bounties and other mea-
sures, had turned the attention of many agricnlturalists and others to
the cultivation of different kinds of mulbeiTy. Among these the Morns
Muitieaalis, Cliitiese, or Perottel luulberry, recently introduced into
Europe and America, though not superior if it was equal to some
others, began to be regaraed as the best for feeding silkworms. Its
supposed ability to stand the coldest winters, io afford two crops of
foliage in a season, the size and profusion of the leaves, and the facility
with which they could be collected from its numerous low stalks, and the
ease with which the tree could be propagated by layers and cuttings,
contributed to its popularity.
Large profits were made by the sale of the yonng plants of that and
other species and varieties of mulberry, which severally had their advo-
cates, and many were induced to engage in the sdk business " as it v, •»8
called, and which a few years after degeneiited into a mete speculation
in trees, to the permanent discredit of silk raismj; in the TJmted States
Among those whose successful enterprise at this time added ti the pre-
valent excitement was Mr. Whitmarsh, of Northampton, Ma'^aachusetts
who, during the last year, visited Italy and Fi'vnee to obtain information
from the best sources, and returned with a considerable quantity of
seeds of a variety of the Chinese mulberiy in repute thete which he
denominated the Alpine, and added to his collection He wa<! said to
have sold, before the close of this year, mnlbeiiy plants to the v due of
over twelve thousand dollars, the cost of which was less than one thou
sand. He had also a large Cocoonery erected about ttm time with a
small engine for moving the reals, desigrdns; tu uw e elusive^ the Mul-
,y Google
892 ESSAYS IN SILK GROWIN«, [1835
tioaulis, on which he subsequently published a treatise. Mr. "William
Kenricii, an eminent borticultumt of Newton, Massachusetts, had also
a nursery of the same kind of trees, which he was instrumental in
bringing into popular favor. He also published this year a useful
manual, called the "American Silk Growers' Guide," recommending an
American system or successive crops of silk in the same season.' A
plantation of 25,000 mulberry trees was also commenced in Ohio, one of
40,000 trees near Fredericksburg, Tirginia, where others were to be
commenced, and five large orchards were planted in Baltimore eoimty,
Maryland. These and similar efforts throughout New England, and in
other states, indicated the general enthusiasm.
Several attempts were also made to improve the winding, and other
mechanism connected with the preparation and Manufacture of raw silk,
and several companies were organized for the manufacture of silk fabrics,
generally in connection with the production of the raw material, the
escitement as yet having only a healthy tendency to practical results.
Mr. Gamaliel Gay, of Ponghkeepsie, New York, invented and pa-
tented this year a new mode of winding silk for the cocoons, upon spools
or bobbins, instead of reels, which it superseded. He also this year
received a patent for a power loom for weaving silk, which it was said
to accomplisli more rapMJy than cotton of the same relative fineness
could be woven. Both inventions were deemed valuable, especially the
latter, which was introduced into establishments of the Rhode Island
Silk Company, late the Valentine Company, conducted by Messrs. Dyer,
at Providence, which employed a capital of $100,000, and had a cocoon-
ery one hundred and fifty feet long, and a nursery about to be increased
to 40,000 trees. Ten or twelve different fabrics of silk, and cotton and
silk, woven in- this establishment upon Mr. Gay's looms, were exhibited
in the following March at Albany, and it was followed by the organization
of ft company at Troy for the manufacture of silk, and another large esta-
blishment about this time commenced operations at Ponghkeepsie. The
Atlantic Silk Company at Nantucket was also formed this year, to
establish a manufa^itory of foreign and domestic raw silk, with machinery
erected under the suporinten dance of Mr. Gay, and propelled by an
engine of sixteen-horso power. The Concord Silk Company, in New
(!) Among the pablieationa, wholly or in a monthly, by 8. Bljdenburgh, of Albany,
part devoted to the Silk Culturo at this commenoed in May; "Tiia Albany Culti-
time, wore Pessenden's "New England For- rator," monthly, by Jndgo BueU; " ThB
mof," a weekly ; Fosscnden's " Silk Manual American Farmer," formerly edited by Gl-
and Praetioal Farmer," a monlbly; "The deonB. Smlth.oEBalUmore, a praotical silk
Silk CnitnrlBt and I'arnier'a Manual ;" a grower; "The PnrmBr's Regiater," by Ed-
xnonthly, edited by Judge Comstock, of mund Baffin, of Virginia, and eevetal othet
Hartford, Conneotiout; "The Silkworm," Agricultural journals.
,y Google
1835] amehican eilk
Hampshire, was formecl in Jnue of tbis year, and incorporated with a
capital of $75,000, and purchased a farm of two hundred and fifty
aorea near Concord, for tho raising of mulberry trees and silk worms.
Many foreign workuien were employed in a new manufactory of silk, at
Lisbon, Connecticut, under Mr. William Carpenter, a silk manufacturer
from Spitalfields, and also at Mansfield, where Mr. W. Atwood, the
next season, manufactured about 30,000 sticks of twist, worth $4.50
per hundred. A new incorporated company, called the Connecticut,
had recently commenced at Hartford, and employed a capital of $30,000,
and upward of one hundred iooias, chiefly in weaving Tuscan braid, the
straw being imported at a cost of about one dollar a pound. Kurseries
of mulberries existed in a number of towns. Massachusetts passed this
year an act to encourage the silk culture, but repealed it the next year,
and gave a bounty of ten cents a pound for cocoons, and one dollar for
raw silk, made iu the state. The New England Silk Company, at Ded-
hara, had commenced operations recently under the superintendence of
J. H. Cobb, with a capital of $50,000. It employed sixteen sewing siik
machines, and under the protective duty of forty per cent, on sewing silk,
made ari-angements to manufacture two hundred pounds per week. It made
also, during the next year, about $10,000 worth of silk and mixed fabrics.
The Massaebusetts Silk Company, formed about this time at Boston,
for producing and manufacturing silk, had a capital stock of $100,000,
and purchased a tract of land at Farmingham, where they soon had two
hundred thousand white and ten to twenty thousand Multicaulis mul-
berry trees growing. The Messrs, Montogul had an establishment on
Washington street, Boston, which had been three or four years in opera-
tion. It constantly employed about three hundred females, and one hun-
dred and fifty to two hundred looms in weaving Tuscan Braid in a great
variety of elegant patterns. Silk formed the warp and the filling was of
imported Tuscan straw with occasional admixtures of Manilla grass or
fine strips of whalebone, both of which gave the braid an elegant appear-
ance by their white and shining appearance. From eight hundred to
twelve hundred bonnets were made weekly at the last mentioned factory,
of a variety of beautiful forms and patterns, which sold readily in the
North, South and West, at from $2.50 to $4.00 each. Much gimp was
made and used in the manufacture of bonnets at the same place, by very
simple but effective machinery, and a ribbon loom with a dozen spring
shuttles wove a dozen ribbons at a tjme by a single hand. Twenty
pieces of galloon were woven at the same time in another loom, by the
aid of as many shuttles impeDed by a single hand. From thirty to fifty
pounds of silt imported from China direct or from France, at eleven
,y Google
394 SILK — HAIR CLOTn— RUBBER GOODS. [1835
dollars per pound, were used weekly in tlie establishment, which had also
a throwing mill for mating organzine and tram or warp and filling.
A variety of silk fabrics had been for several years made by Mr,
Kapp, at Economy, Pa. The Beaver Silk Culture and Manufacturing
Company was this year formed in Philadelphia, and purchased land to
tlie value of thirty or forty thousand dollars, near the Falls of Beaver.
The Chester and Philadelphia and other silk companies were also
organized in the state within a year or two, and associations were
formed for similar objects in most of the states during the next five or
ten years. Many of those already mentioned, and others which engaged
in the silk business, were ruined by the speculation.
The value of foreign silks which were imported this year, amounted to
|ie,59t,983, and in the following year reached the enovmons sum of
$25,033,200.
There were at this time only two manufactories of Hair Cloth in the
United States. One of these, the first in Kew England, had recently
been started at Deerfleld, Mass., by Elias Willis. The Hair cloth used
at this time was principally imported from England, and was only
employed for covering furniture and making elastic stock bodies.
Sis companies had at this date been incorporated by Massachusetta
for the mamifaeture of India Knbber goods. The " Rosbufj," incorpo-
rated in 1833, E. M. Chaffee and others, proprietors, had its capital
increased in the last year to $300,000. Tlie "Boston and Ljnn,"
located at Lynn, capital |200,000 ; the "Boston" )^100,000 ; the "Sew
England" $10,000; the "South Boston" $60,000, and the "Suffolk"
$150,000, were al! incorporated in 1834,
The Boot Cotton Mills at Lowell, which now consist of five mills and
54,936 spindles, were incorporated. The Boston and Lowell Railroad
was opened for travel in June, and the Nashua and Lowell Railroa-d
was incorporated, A cotton factory was erected at St, Francisville,
Louisiana, this year, and a paper mill in Boone County, Mississippi, A
largo paper mill at New Orleans made from one hundred to two hundred
reams daily.
It was estimated that two million pairs of shoes were made at Lynn
this year. Chocolate was made there in large quantities, amounting in
the nest year to pne hundred tons.
The material and intellectual resources of Ohio had been greatly
developed during the last Sve years. It now contained about one
million inhabitants, and had one hundred and twenty newspapers in
Bisty-five different towns, thirty-two of which are still published under
their original names. The first cylinder printing press in the West was
purchased this year for the Methodist Book concern at Cincinnati.
,y Google
1835] CINCINNATI AND COVINOTON FAOTOltlES — STEAMBOATa. 395
The proprietors of tbe Cincinnati Gazette, who started this year under
the editorship of J. H. Wood, the first commercial paper ia the. North-
west, called the Pr e Current a! o em] loved the hrst nenbpaper
express eve run n tl e West Ihey oit nel the P e dents Message
from Waih ngton n s ty J ours at a co t of $"00 C n nnat was at
this time sevea diys 1 slant f om P tt 1 urg twenty one f om New
Orleans and fourteen fiom New 1 ork Mes s Co ey a d W el ster
publishers of tl at c ty hai issued du ng the last three years 711000
volumes of school and other boolis ncl 1 g s x hun 1 e 1 tl oasa d
copies of Webster s Spel) ng Bo li Tl e e ere many oti er j ubl she s
some of « bora I d prol ably j ubl hed nearly as many Tl e e ere n
successfi ! o] e at on n tl e c ty ove fifty steam en" ne 1 es de four or
five ia Ne v] ort lod Cuv Dgton More th no e ] nn 1 ed ste-j n ng nas
about two hnnd ed an J forty cofton g ns, uf ard of t enty sugai mdia,
and twenty-two steamboats, were built in tbe city daring this year. Ita
population was thirty-one thousand The State of Ohio this year first
began to export breadatuffs, wool, ^shes, etc., by way of the lakes. The
shipments of breadstuffs were equivalent to 543,815 bushels of wheat,
and was increased in the neit live years to an amount equivalent to
3,800,000 buihBls.
The Newport Manufacturing Company, opposite the city, employed,
during the last year, two hundred hands, and made woolen goods,
cotton bagging, cotton yarn and bale rope to the valne of $381,160,
The manufactures of Covington for tiie same year were estimated at
$508,500, of which value $200,000 was the product of an iron rolling
mill and nail works in the town.
An ofBcial table gives the number of steamboats bnilt on the western
rivers since 1811 as 684, measuring 106,135 tons, an average of 155
tons each, of which fifty-two were built the present year. The number
vunning on the Mississippi and twenty-two of its tributaries at the
beginning of the last year was two hundred and seventy, whose toonage
was 39,000 tons. More than eight thonsand miles were traveled by
them. Of the whole number, three hundi'ed and four were built in
Pittsburg District (one hundred and ninety-seven in the town), two
hundred and twenty-one at Cincinnati, one hundred and three at Louis-
ville, nineteen at Nashville, and thirty-seven at other places. The
arrivals of steamboats at Now Orleans this year were estimated at
twenty-three hundred, an increase of seven hundred since 1832.
The " Howe Manufacturing Company" was established in December
of this year, at New York, by John J. Howe and his associates, for the
mwiufncture of " Spun Head" Pins under Mr. Howe's patent. They
established a manufactory at Derby, Connecticut; and some five yeara
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S9S BBWING MACmKE — LOCOMOTIVES — CLOCKS, [1835
aft 1 Iiivm^ olitamed a new patent for solid beaded pin= Mi IlDwe
com nenced the manufacture of them Mr feamuel Slofuto Df Rhode
Island obtained a patent in England this year for his machine for
mtking sol d headed pins an ne extensively used at Poughkeepsit Ivew
York and W'iteibnry Connecticut
Several experiments were made during the past and present years, by
the late Walter Hunt of New York, to produce a Sewing Machine,
Notwithstanding many ingenious devices, it was never perfected so as
to be patentable, and was laid aside until after the invention of a practi-
cal machine by Elias Howe, in 1845, when claims were made on Hunt's
behalf to tbe original invention.'
TKe manufacture of Locomotives was commenced in New York by
Thomas Rodgers, an eminent manufacturer of cotton machinery, rail-
road work, etc. Fourteen locomotives were built this year in Philadel-
phia, by M. W. Baldwin, and about forty the next year. The Norria
Locomotive Works in the same city were also in operation on a smaller
Bcale, and about this time turned out the engine " George Washington,"
which, on the 10th July, 1836, ascended the inclined plain, on the
Columbia and Philadelphia railroad, thereby demonstrating the fact
that beapy grades could be ascended without the aid of stationary
engines and ropes. This resulted in a new principle of eoiistruetion
for railroads and great saving of expense in grading. It established
the reputation of the builder, who added other improvements the same
year, and became known in Europe and America as a skillful con-
structor.
Nearly one hundred thousand wood and brass clocks were made this
year in the towns of Bristol, Plymouth, and Parmington, Connecticut.
Many women were employed, chiefly in making and painting the dial-
plates.
Patents. — Artemas L. Broolcs, Lowell, Mass., Jan. "l, improvement
on Woodworth'a Planing Machine. It made use of two revolving
cutters for planing both sides of a board at once, instead of one as in
Woodworth's machine, in the patent of which he owned a right. Pere-
grine Williamson, New York, March 30, mannfacture of metallic or
steel pens — an improvement upon his pen patented in 1809 — Charles
Jackson, S. S. Potter and John Miller, Providence, B. I., April 2,
combined rotary and stationary spindle for spinning. C. Whipple,
J. Sprague, and M. D. Whipple, Douglas, Mass., April 3, lathe for
turning lasts and other irregular forma. — This patent was assigned to
Carter & Hender of Boston, principal owners of Blanohard's earlier
(1) Gifford's Argnment op Howe's Application for SeDswal of Patent.
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18351 PATENTS— JOHN ERICSSON. 03*
patent for the eamo purpose, from which this differed somewhat. S. S.
Allen, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and John Brandon, Williamsport, Pa.,
April 8, each a portable horse.power. [In both these horse powers the
animal wallied around the mmhlne.] Lemuel Hedge, Eraltleborougb,
Vt. April 22, eonstrncters of the joints of carpenters' rules ; Henry
Eiynn, Newark, Esses Co., N. J., May 9, machine for stiffening hat
bodies. [This mode of stiffening by immersing the crnwn and brim in
stiffening liquors of different strength and passing between rollers, was
an improfcment which enabled one man to do the work of five by the
old process, and Is still in use.] Lueillus H. Mosely, Pougbkeepsie,
N. Y., May 9, throwing and twisting silk ; Gamaliel Gay, Poughkeep-
sie N. Y., Aug. IT, nnwinding silk upon spools instead of reels ; to
the same, Sep. 26, a power loom for wearing silks; P. M. Gilroy,
Warwick, and Abner S. Tompldns, North Proridence, U. I, May 9,
improrement in the damask loom by the application of water or other
power to drire it ; Biwood Mears, Philadelphia, June 26, ever pointed
lead pencil!; Guy C. Baldwin, Ticonderoga, N. Y., Dec, making
pencil points and composition therefor; Bayton, Hoyl & White, Sahua,
N Y June « and John White, New York, July 18, making coffins
from hydraulic cement, and to John White, July 18, for CoffilS of artifi.
cial stone or marble ; Proswick and Fisher, New York, Aug. 11, prepara-
tion of oil of hazel ; Amaia Stone, Johnston, R. I., Aug. W, power loom
and taking up motion. This improrement upon a former patent was
Introduced by the patentee into England, and was considered a ralnable
mechanism. Jesse Harden, Baltimore, Md., Sep. 9, balance platform
arale for weighing— a useful inrcution still in demand ; Charles Good-
year New Huron, 01, Sep. 9, gum clastic cement. Four other patents
were' granted for making and using hydraulic and other cements. J. S.
Brown and J. J. Barker, also to W. Bradly and M. L. Worthley, all of
Philips, Me., Oct. 14, for machines for cutting felloes for wheels;
William Gates, Hanover, N. Y., Nov. U, for Japan applied to leather;
John Scott, Philadelphia, Nov. 26, use and application of asbestos to
stoves, grates, omclWes, etc. ; P. Goodwcll and P. H. Harvey, Kamapo,
N Y., Dec. 2, power loom for weaving stock frames ; Joseph Curtis,
Hew York, Dec. 28, three patents for an amalgam mill for separating
gold from ore.
An act of Congress of March 3 anthorlzed letters patent to Francis
B Ogdeu, for "an engine for producing motive power whereby a
gi^eater quantity of power is obtained by a given quantity of fuel than
heretofore," as the assignee of John Ericsson, "a subject of the King
n " the true inventor, whose improvemeuta in steam propulsion
have sinee excited much attention.
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S9S TRADE IN COTTON. [1836
A Repc a the u va od manufacture, and foreign trade of cotton,
accompan el j a e s ot al es giyiiig its statistics since the year
Ifi^ n^J was eommu cUel o Congress on the 4t!i of March, by
^°^ the H n Lev Wo 1 y Secretary of the Treasury. The
capita! inveated in tlie piodnction of cotton was estimated at eig-Lt hun-
dred millions of dollai-s, and the average production of the last ten
years was 2,131,000 bales, The foreign trade in raw cotton of the
whole world, which was small compai-ed with the whole growth and
consumption, did not probahlj exceed five hundred and thirty-Sve mil-
lions of ponnds, and of that the United States exported about three
hundred and eighty-four milliona of pounds, or almost three-fourths.
The average price of Upland cotton, at the place of exportation in the
United States, during the last year, was sixteen and a half cents, and in
England twelve and a half pence sterling — sea Island cotton being
nsually worth two hundred and fifty per cent, more than other kinds. Of
the exports in the last year 253,000,000 pounds went to England,
100,333,000 to France, and 16, 150,000 to other places, of which Hol-
land and Belgium, Trieste, and the Ilanae Towns, were the principal,^
The quantity of raw cotton raannfactared in England, during tlie last
year, was about 320,350,000, and in tho United States about 100,000,000
of pounds. The capital employed in manufacturing, by machinery,
amounted in Eugland to $185,000,000, and in the United States to
180,000,000, the value of the product in the latter being forty-five to
fifty millions of dollars. The spindles employed in cotton manufactures
in the United States, were estimated at 1,150,000. The value of the
exports of cotton goods from Eugland, in 1835, was placed at |88, 500,000,
and in the United States, in 1834, at $2,200,000. The exports of cotton
manufactures from England had been for some years, and were now, nearly
equal to one half of her exports of every kind ; and in 183i about one
third of the value was in yarn, which in some years constituted one half
the .weight.
The best cotton goods were supposed to be made in Switzerland,
where the skill and machinery were good, and the climate congenial.
But the raw material, being carried so far by land, was expensive, and
(1) The Value o[ raw cotton esported and Soutli America. The eiporli of do-
tliis yoar (1S36), from the United States, moalic eottOD goods this joiur wera valued
amounted to 423,631, S6? pounds, Talned at at $2,265,734, chieflj to Cnhn, South Ame-
$71,284,925. The value of cotton manu- rioa, aad Africa. Cotton bagging, worth
faotnras imported was tl7,S76,aS7, of which $1,11)1,451, was eiportod this jeia, nearly
S14,092,4;j were from Sreat Britain, and al! of it ftom Great Britain, and the Hanso
$2,321,008 from Prance, whereof 32,785,67(1 towns,
wore re-exported chieflj to Mcsieo, Cuba,
i.Google
1S36J
^ACTS ABOUT SPINDLES.
tho mannfaoturep conld not compete with Engknd, thoogh twenty per
cent cheaper than in Prance.
In Prance man, fine goods were made bj ,m and eiperience,' bnt
the machmer, was poorer and cost more. Hence the prices in those
two countries of tlio cloth made from a pound ot raw cotton eneeded on
an average hftj eenti,, whiie in England the, were abont £ft, cents, and
in the yniled Slates were now somewhat lees. We mad. more coarse
and snbBtantial cloths of cotton than England, and the, conld be
alerded cheaper b, two or three cent, per ,ard. The, were in greater
demand abroad, as we put more staple into them, the raw material being
cheaper here. But the English laces being made chleli, of Sea Island
cotton, with a yer, little .ilk, enhanced the value of each pound to oyer
five dollars; and the whole manufacture of it equalled $9,000 000 per
annum, op 30,750,000 square ,ards.
In regard to Improvements in maciiiner,, it was remarked that a
spnidle now sometimes revolved eight thousand times in a minute in
Stead of onl, «ft, times as formerly, and would spin on an average
from one sirth to one third more than it did twenty jears previous
Indeed, ,n 1834, it was said that one person coald spin more than
double the weight of jam in » given time than he could in 1829. The
quantity of raw cotton spun by one spindle depended of course on the
fineness of the thread, and the qnalit, of the machiner,. In England
where a considerable portion of the yarn was finer, the average wa^
shout eight and a half ounces weeHj, or from twenty-seveu to twentv-
eight pounds yearly; while the average in the United States was about
fifty pounds ,early, of yarn number twont, and twonl,-five in fineness,
and about twenty-sis pounds of number thirty-five and forty In ISOs'
the average was computed at fopty-fivo pounds per spindle of cotton'
yielding thirt,.eight pounds of yarn. Tho loss from dirt and waste was
estimated at from one twelfth to one eighth. At Lowell ono hundred
pounds of cotton yielded eighty-nine pounds of cloth, though the ave-
rage here used to bo estimated at onl, eighty-five pounds, when cotton
was not so well cleaned, and machiner, less perfect. Ono spindle at
Lowell produced, through looms, cIb., on an average one and ono tenth
yards of cloth dail,, but this result differed greatly with the fineness of
the thread, excellence of the looms, width of the cloth, etc.
In 1830, it was ceraputed that thirt,-seven spindles were necessary
to supply ono loon. ; though in 182t, at Lowell, the actual proportion
was onl, twenty-sli ; at Exeter, in 1831, it was twenlj-nine, and now
at Lowell it is eighteen hundred and thirty-one. The number of looms
In England, in 1832, was only one to about fort, spindles, (so maeh more
yarn is made and not woven there,^ and these were mostly hand looms.
i.Google
^00 STATISTICS OF SPINDLES — lACTOmES. [183G
Eat in 1834, the nnmber of them waa about one hundred thousand power
looms, and two hnndred and fifty thousand hand looms, or Id all, about
one to thirty. One loom formerly wove about twenty yards of cloth of
the ordinary seven eighths width, more of the twenty-six inches in width
used for calicoes, and less of tho five quarter wide. The average new
was from thirty to forty yards of nnmber twenty. At Lowell, in 1835,
it was thirty-eight to forty yards of number fourteen and twenty to
thirty yards of number thirty. It required from four to five yards of
number twenty to twenty-five yarn to weigh one pound, and five to six
yards of numbers thirty-five to forty.
In making cloth of plain ordinary width and fineness, one person was
Heeded to conduct all tho business from the raw cotton to the finishing
of the cloth for every twenty spindles. If the cloth was colored, printed,
or stamped, one person was required for every seven spindles. This
would be about two hundred and fifty persons for all purposes in a fac-
tory of five thousand spindles, making plain thin cloth. One person
could manage from two to three power looms.
The average number of spindles in new mills wag now five to six
thousand. In Lowell, in 1836, they had in twenty-seven mills one hun-
dred and twenty-nine thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight spindles,
OP a little under five tkonsand to eacb, though tliej printed, etc., in some.
A factory with five thousand nrost be about one hundred and fifty-five feet
long and forty-five wide, four stories in height, and contain about one
hundred and forty looms with other suitable machinery for picking, working,
and sizing. Such an one would cost, with a few shops and outhouses ap-
purtenant, and land and water privilege, $140,000 to $320,000, according to
the materials for building, distance from navigation, etc. If bleaching or
printing cloths be added, more expense would be necessary, and more
than two hundred and fifty persons, making a permanent investment in
buildings, water power, machinery and appurtenances, equal to twenty-
eight or forty-four dollars per spindle, independent of temporary invest-
ments in raw material and wages.
Spindles, which were about half the expense of all the machinery,
formerly cost in France ten dollars, and in 1832 eight dollars each, now
coat here four dollars and a half if of the throstle kind, and two dollars
and a half if of tho mule kind ; but in some places in the United States
five per cent, higher. Throstles in 1826 cost here, it was said, eight
dollars each. The spindle used in the filling frame quite extensively at
this time, cost about six dollars.
About forty -two and a third pounds of flour were used to each spindle
per annum, for sizing, or four pounds weekly to each loom ; in England
and here about one pound weekly to each ioom, but at Lowell nearly
,y Google
1836] THE NEW PATENT 05'1'ICE. 401
four pounds each per week. In Englftnd three times as many spiudles
and factories were moved by steam as by water. In tlie United States
not one in a hundred faetoriog was moved by stoam The power to
move all tlie cotton milli m England e ji alle 1 tliat of f rty fo ir tli snsand
hones of which only eleven tl ou^and wa by watfi wheel In 1324
the whole puwer wai est mated at only 10 '^'I2 hoises Fach fdctoiv of
common ^ ze and emjlovment required fiom sixty to e ghty hoise pc wer
here or ibout eleven and a half hoi se powi,r to one thousind spindles
On the fouith of July an a«t to promote the pio^iese of the useful
arts and to lepeal all acta and part of acts heretofoie made for that
purpose was ippioved tnd became sub tantially the foundation of the
piescnt system of protection to inventoia and diseoveiers in the United
States Ey thio law which has been amended by several subsequent
acts' rculating the details of oiganization ii d bnsines'^ the Patent
Oflice was entirely reorganized and elected into a separate bureau or
depaitment of state with enlarged powers undei % chief to be called the
CommiBSioner of Pateite. to be appointed by the President of the
United states with a chief cleik examiner an I tl lee suboidinate clerks
Patents weie to be issued nndei a special seal of the oflice and to be
Signed br the Secretiiy of State and counteiMgned by the eoinmif,ioneF
Among other irovis n'! of the act the exan iner mstei 1 of meiely
mik ng as formeilj i corapa ison of the sppc fications diawinga and
model to isceitan their agreement weie reqiued to entertain the
quest on of novelty util ty and pr oritj f invention in aid of which
increased labois i librarj of scientific works lad peno 1 cals was
provided Models and specimens of manufacture woiks of «wt etc
whether patented or unpatented nore to ie aiianged and classifiel in
suitable looms or i^allenes and tote open at suitable honis foi public
inspecticn The first commis=inncr nas Htn Hei y L Ellsworth
appointed July 4 of this year.
On the 15th December the Patent Ofiice with all its contents, occu-
pying a part of the Oeneral Post OESce building, was destroyed by fire,
obhterating the records and models which had accumulated during many
years.
The Trustees of the American Institnte in New Yorlt on the 30th
March, issned a circular to the friends of the useful arts and national
industry announcing the establishment of a Repository of Arts of the
(1 ) Snbsequent acta wpre approved Marcli (endent, nnd the ini'iimbonta of that offipe
3, 183T, March 3, 1839, Augost 29, 1842, wove William Thornton, nppoiiitsd Jnly I,
Maj ar, ISia, and March 4, 1881. 1S21, TbomaB B. Jones, April 12, 1828,
(2) Theoliief of Ihe Patent Offioe in 1S21, John D. Craig. and J. C. Picket, Jan.
received by oourfosy, the title of Superin- 31, 1335.
26
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402 AMEEICAN INSTITUTE — PASCAL IRON WOEKS. [1836
American In&titnte at No 18T Broadwiy to be openerl m Miy It
was IT tended 1 3 collect into onu greit hall machine'' moduli, specimens
and driwiEj^s of all the impoitant improvements and inventions which
the coontiy affirded at d for that puipo&e rainnfactareis mechanics
artizana invenfon and produ ers generally tlironghont the country were
invited to tintiibute fhPir viiied products 4 libraiy was cpened to
the pablc and a monthly journal of the pioceedin^s of the mstitnte
was pubhsl ed at the Eepo-iitory They also commenced the publication
of an annual Tolnme of the transactions contmned to the present time
A law WIS emcted in Massachusetts pr hihitint^ under penalty of
fifty dcilars the employment of any child under fifteen veais of age in
any manuta tiirmg establishment unle-ia such child had received school
instructions under a legally quah Bed teacher in orlhogiaphy reading,
writing English grammar geogriphy arithmetic and good behavior
for at least one teim of eleven weeks m the year pieeedmg its employ
ment, and for the same penod dunng any and every twelve months in
which the child was so employed.
Charters were this year granted in Massaehnsetta to seventy-three
manufacturing corporations, with an aggregate capital of $10,729, in
addition to thirteen railroad companies with $5,675,000 capital, and
twenty-eight companies for other purposes represeEting $6,172,600
capital — total $23,576,600.
The Legislature of Pennsylvania passed on leth June, an "Act to
encourage the manufactnre of Iron with coke or mineral coal, and for
other purposes." It authorized the formation — with the usual corporate
privileges — of associations with capitals of not less than $100,000 nor
more than $500,000, in shares of fifty dollars each, exclusively for the
manufacture, transportation and sale of iron made with coke or mineral
coal, each corporation to hold two thousand acres of land and to make
an annual statement of its transactions to the Legislature.
'The first manufacture of Wrought Iron Tubes and fittings for gas,
steam and water works in the United States, was commenced this year
at the Pascal Iron Works, Philadelphia, by Morris, Tasker & Morris.
The senior member of th fi m h 1 d n, for fifteen years previ-
ously, the manufactu f 1 g t t .and general smith-work,
and they afterward all d t tl ! tie making of cast-iron gaa
and water mains, lapw n d fl f b I gas and steam fitters' tools,
etc., employing mach y f p rf t de^cnption, in which they
now consume over si th nit fantl acite fuel annually.
A Geological Survey of the State of Vii ginia, by Pi of. W. E. Rogers,
was commenced under an act of the last year, and was completed in six
annual reports. State geological sniveys of Pennsylvania and New
,y Google
183G] STATE SUaVEYS— BRISTOL, CONN.— HTTSBUEa. ^03
Jei-sey were ordered by their respective legislatures, to lie conducted
under the direction of Prof. Heni-y D. Bogors, now of tlie University
of Glasgow. The first report of New Jersey was made this year, and
the final one in 1840. Several annua! reports of the Pennsylvania
survey were made, and in 1S69 Professor Rogers pnblialied in Edinbnrg,
in two quarto volames, accompanied by maps and illnstrations in tbe
highest style of accuracy and beauty, his final report on the Geology of
Pennsylvania. Professors Eraraous, Matthew L. VanHsem, L. C. Beck,
T. A. Conrad, and James Hall, were appointed by the State of New
York to make a geological survey of that state. Five annual reports
were made, and have been followed by several volumes of a final report,
embracing the Natural History of tho state in genera! and a geological
map.
J. B. Cotting was this year commissioned to make a state survey of
Georgia, which appeared in 1841. D. Trimble reported on the Geology
of Kentucky during this year.
One of the most extensive Copper Mines in the country was opened
about this time at Bristol, Connecticut, which yielded tlie proprietors, for
many years, large quantities of ore containing thirty-two per cent, of
copper. Ill Flemingtoil, New Jersey, was a copper miue lately
opened, wliicli was the only one in that state that waa wrought at
this time.
The productive value of all branches of manufactures, including raw
material, in the city of Pittsburg, was estimated this year at $15,515,440,
the largest items being $4,160,000, the products of nine rolling mills in
operation, and 13,130,000, produced by eighteen iron foundries, steam
engine factories, and machine shops— six cotton factories produced
about $500,000 worth of goods. Sixty-one steamboats, valned at
$960,000, were built there this year. Messrs. Lippincott & Brotliers,
and Kings, Highby & Anderson, manufactured eight thonsand doaen
shovels and spades, one thousand six hundred dozen hoes, and six
hundred 'dozen saws'. Owen Waters, on Chartier's creek, and B. Estep,
at Lawienceviile, made axe'i, shovels and 'fpades, etc , to the value of
$90 000 The manufictures and mechanical piodacts and sale-* of all
kinds toieign and domestic, weie estimated at from twenty to twenty-
five millions of dollars Nine million feet of lunibei from the Alleghany
were measured m the last yeai, and ovu 'ieien milhon feet this year.
The whole quantity of lumber sent dswn the Ohio flora the -Vlle^^hany,
was computed to be thirty million feet '
In the citj of Wheeling Vngmia weie one bundled and thirty-six
establishments foi the manufacture of domestic goods, employing more
(1) Sjford'a Western Address Directory, pp. B^-IU.
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iOi -WHEELING— DAYTON — FATETTEVILLB — nUDSON. j^l836
than seventeen hundred hand? and twenty eight steam engines eijnal to
nine hnndied borae power Then annual product was woith at least
two milliun dolhis Within i cirde (f tweityfiTo mile'- wl e one
hundieLi and th ity foar flonr miili, mak i g at lea<it two hundred and
eighty thouss,nd bairels, of flour worth $C 15 per barrel Llevpn steam
boats valued at $193 000 neie built there Inring this yeir Coal eo?t
there in no case 0¥ei three cei ts a hushel and in the loll ng mill and
nail works of D Vgncw ^ Co cost only one and a half cfnts i but,! el
Dayton Ohio cratained within its orpoiate limits water powei
Bnffiue it for thirty five pans of mill stones oi seventeen thou md five
hnndred cotton spin lies and improvements wcie contemplated nhich
wonld inciease It fouifoll by making nearly the whole [jonei of Mad
river aviihble The capital emf loved in trade and mnnuiactnres
pweeded one million d liars Tie jiincipal fictoi es wcie thieo or
moie cotton milh two gnn hatrel Iictoriei the Dayton Carpet lattory
ineoiporated and lecently put in operat jn an estfnsive madiino "ihr p
fioanng m 11 with three luii of stones carding and fulling mill clock
fwtory last factory iion foun !ry m operation six year? t«o soap and
candle factoiics etc Duiing this year eighty one houses were huilt and
nearlv three railhons of bucks weie la 1
A Cotton iaetoiy capable of running one thonsand spindles was pnt
in operation on the 4th July, at Fayetteville, North Carolina. Two
cotton mills three stories high, with machine shop and sizing honse, had
been recently erected on the Appomatox, four miles from Petersburg,
Virginia. They would contain about four thousand spindles and one
hundred and seventy looms. The silk business was about to he com-
menced at Petersbnrg. Among the numerous companies chartered this
year in Massachusetts, was the Perkins Mills, at Chicopee, with a capital
of 1400,000, afterward increased to half a million.
The Hudson Calico Print Works of Marshall, Carville & Taylor, was
in a high state of efficiency, having forty-two block hand printers and
five printing machines, two of which printed four colors at a time, and
three of them three colore. The machines were all of the best models
in England, whence they had been recently imported, and could print
eighteen thousand yards or 5,400,000 yards per annnni, Mr. Benjamin
Marshall, of Troy, at this time proprietor of the New York Mills, made
the finest shirtings in the country as well as the finest printing cloths.
The qaantity of calicoes printed in the United States dnring the year
ending April 1, was one hundred and twenty millions of yards There
were several establishments in the country for printing silks and tjing-
hams, of which the Phillips MOls, at Lynn, Massachusetts, was proSiably
the largest.
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I83C] SILK— OiUPBTa— BIIE—imii MBBIB. 405
^ Silk Societies .,,3 Stocli Complies continned to be formed and
.neorpor.ted io diHere.t parts of the country. Additional Intere.t in
the .object ™ eicited kj a commuBicatlon from Genci.l T.Ilmadce-
Ibenonatonrthroneh the silk connlrien of Enrope-.Hch appeared
in the Jonrnal of the American Instit.t.. In .M«is.chnsett. a Icgisia-
tivc bonnly of ten cent, a ponnd for cocoon,, and one doB.r for raw
Bilk made in the ,t,t., ,„ offered April 11th, bnt onl, 185.20 w.s
claimed during the jear. Maine offered bonntio, of S™ cents for
cocoons and fifty cents for ra» silk, and New Jersey llfteen cents a
ponnd for cocoon, raised in the alat. for five year.. The latter act
ejcepted "bodies corporate and politic," and ,a. repealed the ncit
The general pro.p.ritj of the country w.s indicated by the importa-
tion daring thi. year, of silks-chieHy m.nnfactnred good,_to the r.lne
of t.entj-teo millions of dollars or more than donWc the aver.Be of
former yeare. The total importation, of the year amounted to on.
hnndred and fifty-mne million., and aycr.gcd for the last three years
on. hundred and twenty-two millions per annum, against an arerage of
seventy millions annnall, for the live year, under the tariff of 1828
A large Ingr.lu Carpet Factory, afterward Pettcu's, was established
thi. „.r at Poughkeepsia, New York, by Henry Wlnfield, which, four
yea,, after, turned out, of three-ply, superfine, fine and common ingrain
carpetmg plain and twilled Venetian stair carpet,, on. hundred thousand
yards, and one mdlion yard, of carpet binding., of eicelleat qnaCty per
annum, and employed seventy men.
The celebrated Eagle Brewery of M. T.s.ar 4 Co., was also erected
1 h I *T ■ "* °'* "-»•")■ "■"rtJthou.and barrel, of
ale, beer, and porter, worth |] 00 000
abort" thif'ti""""' "'""' "' '"'"■ "" ^°'^- ■»""« "=» "'""O
about thi. time a new company was immediately formed and a new
factory was put in operation, in which „n, hundred and twenty per.on,
were employed, making daily one hnndred pairs of sho" be3d
garment, and other articles. '
The«r.t Coinage by steam power in the United State, Mint w.s
Pealc, and a medal was .truck in commemoration of the event An
mprovcd milling machine, invented and introduced at the ..me time
iuto the irnitcd States Mint by Mr. P.al., .a, .l.„ carried by ..e.™
i.Google
406 COINIKfl HACfllNERY—PATENTS. [1836
Similar machines and presses for cutting out blanks or Plancliets for
coins were, like those above mentioned, constrncted under Mr. Peale'a
direction, by Messrs. Merriek and Agnew of Pbiladelpliia, for tie use
of the branch mints at Charlotte and Ilahlonega, which, with a third at
Hew Orleans, were created by act of Congress in the last year. A
Code of Mint Laws was enacted in January of the next year.
Patbnts. — George B. Dexter, Boston, Jan. 6, water-proof silk hats ;
Isaac Orr, Washington, D. C, Jan. 20, air-tight stoves. [This patent
gave rise to several suits at law, in which the originality of Dr. Orr's
invention was disputed ; after he had, during several years, received
considerable sums from its manufacture, an injunction was granted and
sustained against infringements.] Edwin Gordon, Hingham, Mass., Feb.
IT, cannon for chain shot ; Wm. II. Bell, Washington, D. C, May 14,
cannon traverse board for pointing cannon. [By an act of Congress of
July 4, this patent and another granted to Mr. Bell in the last year, for
elevating cannon, were purchased for the United States government for
the sam of $30,00O.J Isaac Sehnaitmann, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, glasses
for spectacles ; Samuel Oolt, Hartford, Conn., Feb. 25. [This patent of
Col. Colt, recently deceased, was for the celebrated revolving fire arms,
tJie idea of which is said to have oecnrred to him at an early age, and
while on a voyage to India at the age of fifteen, a model was made
which is stiil preserved. Having secured patents in the United States
and Europe, he formed, about this time, a company at Patterson, N. J.,
with a capital of |SOO,O0O, for the manufacture of pistols and carbines,
which proved unsuccessful and failed. In 1848, during the Mexican
war, he resumed the manufacture under a contract with the government,
at Whitneyville, Conn., and the next year removed to Hartford, where,
in 1850, be projected the immense establishment in which the manufac-
ture has since been conducted. He died January 10, 1862.} Benjamin
F. Boyden, Boston, March 31, cast-iron hoe; James A. Gray, Rich-
mond, Ta., June 11, metallic coffins; Thomas Elanchard, New Yorlc,
Aug. 1 to 31, nine several patents for ships' blocks and processes con-
nected with their manufacture ; Arnold Wilkinson, Providence, R, I.,
Aug. 31, polishing iron and brass wire for weavers' reeds. [This included
the use of steam power in place of the tedious hand process, of preparing
wire for reeds, by the successor of Jeptha A, Wilkinson, the inventor of
the reed-making machine, and who made other improvements , in the
business still carried on by Mr. Frederick Miller.] Isaiah Jennings,
W. Baldwin of Philadelpliia, had several Rnynl Mint in London, and its operiilioii
yeJira before oommBiioed the oonstruclion waa regarded with great ourioBity.^Fcojit-
of ft coining prB3S on that principle. Steam Ha Journal, wU. 22 aad 23,
power was also used at tliis lams at the
i.Google
1S36] PAl'ENTS THE SILK CULTURE. 407
New York, S«p. 22, two patents (one being a reisSQc) for lamps for
burning bis patent composed of alcohol and spirits of turpentine ; J.
Arnold and Q. G. Bishop, Norwalk, Conn., Oct. 20, forming a web of
wool, hnir, etc., without spinning; Alonzo D. Phillips, Springfield,
Mass., Oct. 24, friction matehes — being the first American patent for
matches, the constituents of which were chalk, phosphorus, glue and
brimstone.— William Woodwortb, New York, Nov. 15, planing machine
—first patented in 1828.
On the 25tii February Mr. Adams, from the Congressional Committee
on Manufactures, to whom had been referred a resolution of the House
Ifi^y in the last session, instructing them to inquire into the expedi-
ency of promoting the Culture and Manufacture of Silk, commu-
nicated a fall report on the subject. Much of the information was
contained in a letter from Mr. Andrew Judson of Connecticut, a late
member of Congress, to whom had been delegated the duty of making
the necessary inquiries. He stated that it had been found perfectly
practicable to raise mulberries and silkworms tbroughout tbe whole of
the United States. The Morns Multicaulis could be acclimated in the
Northern aod Kiddle States, and upon one acre of land would sastaio
sufficient worms to raise one hundred and twenty-eigiit pounds of silk,
then worth $640. The process of reeling silk had been found an easy
acquisition and was adapted to the labor of the yonng and the aged.
The manufacture of silk was as simple as that of cotton or wool, and far
less expensive in buildings and machinery. The weaving of silk fabrics
on power looms had been successfully attempted — gentlemen's wear,
cravats, etc., having been woven of a texture little if any inferior to the
foreign. In this respect we were already in adyance of the mannfac-
tnrera of Europe and of India. This country, it was certain, could
successfully compete with others in the culture and manufacture of silk.
The importance of these branches of economy both in a pecuniary and
moral point of view was immense. The six New England States were
more or less engaged in the culture and manufacture of silk, and four of
them were encouraging the business by legislative bounties, which New
York was also about to do. Silk companies existed in all the Eastern
and Middle States, and in the Southern States much interest was felt in
the subject. It was proposed in Virginia to devote the worn out
tobacco lands to the culture of silk, in order to arrest the emigration
which was setting westward and threatened to depopulate the state.
The Western States were peculiarly adapted to the business, and a
number of companies with large capitals were incorporated in Ohio, and
under skillful managers. Seventy families in the vicinity of Canton, in
,y Google
408 PATENT LAWS— mouse's TELEGRAPH. [183T
Stark count}', were engaged in malting silk, and many were beginning
iu several other counties. It was commenced in Kentucky about a year
and a half ago. In Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Teonessee, begin-
nings had been made.
By an act of Congress, approved March 1, the tenth aud twelfth
clauses— -relating to various articles of hardware japanned plated 'vnil
other metallio wares — of the second section of the aU of July 14 1832,
were suspended until the close of the next ue'^sioti
"An act in addition to the act to piomote the prog^reti of Science
and Useful Arts," dated Manh 3 enacted that all patents giants or
assignments made previous to the destruction of the Pitei t OfBte on
15th December, should be recorded inew when the qj ph ant had
deposited in the Patent OfBce a duplicate as near as might be of the
original model, drawings and deaLriptions ett veiiSed 1 1 oath and
that such records and copies only should be vilid evidences ot title
The Commissioner was requied to obtain duplicates of sut,h of the
models destroyed by Are as «cie most valuabk and interesting to the
puWic, for which purpose $100 000 weie appropriated and agents
authorized in twenty different towns An additioudl eximining clerk
and temporary clerks were to be dppointed and the comniiasnnei was
required to lay before Congres'. an annuii leport (.mbii ng a ihia Qed
list of all patents granted during the preceding jeai «ith the n^mes
and residences of patentees, and a hst of expired patents ind account
of expenditures.
On the 15th September a Stin ling Committee on P ttr t nas insti
tuted by Congress.
The Secretary of the Treasury on the 10th March is'iued a circular
requesting information in regard to the propriety of estabhshmg a
system of Telegraphs in the United States In replj Professor S^muel
F. B. Morse, of New Ilaven commnnicited in account of his inven-
tion of an electro -magnetic telej,iaph and of its piopcied advantages
and probable expense. By its use he presumed five words couid be
transmitted in a minute." The result of hit, numeious e'^ipeiiments was
made public in April, and his fit t caveat foi the Ameiican Electro
Magnetic Telegraph" was entered in October Hivinc; petitioned
Congress for aid to make a practical test of his invention, $30,000 were
afterward granted, and the first line was erected in June, 184i, between
Washington aud Baltimore.^
(!) Tho Eleetro-Mftgnetio Telegraph of hauseti, his regialered eleetro-mngnotio tele-
Cook whb patented in England, in June of graph, producing dola and innrlis to stand
this year (1837), and in July, Steintel! put for letters on Bllota or ribinda of paper,
in operation, betweon Munich and Bogen- moved forward by clotk work.
i.Google
IS31] MABSACHtrSETTS MAHTJrAOTUaES. 409
A report and statistical tables, prepared by John P. Bigelow, Esq.,
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, from the returns of
the assessors in each county, made for the first time under a recent act
of the Legislature, for obtaining " statistical information in relation to
certain branches of indastry within the Commonwealth," exhibits the
following general results of manufacturing and mechanical labor during
the year ending April 1st, including the fisheries and all vessels built in
the five years preceding, viz. :
Total value of Manufactures |91,165,315 (or averaging the shipbuild-
ing) f 86, 382,6 16, whole number of hands employed HT,352; capital
invested |54,85I,643. The principal branches were boots and shoes, of
which the value was $14,642,520 ; manufactures of cotton $l'l,409,001 ;
of woolen goods $10,399,807 ; of leather, including morocco, $3,254,416 ;
whale, cod and raaelierel fishing $T,592,390 ; vessels built in five years
$6,853,348. The manufacture of cotton goods (cloth), exclusive of
printing, employed mills 282; spindles 566,031; male hands 4,997;
female hands 14,757; capital invested $14,369,719; cotton consumed
37,275,917 pounds ; annual product 126,319,221 yards of cloth, worth
$13,056,659. The woolen manufacture employed 193 mills and 501
Bets of woolen machinery, 3,612 male and 3,486 female liaiids ; capital
$5,770,750; and consumed 10,858,988 pounds of wool and 236,475
gailons of sperm oil, producing 11,313,426 yards of cloth valued at
$10,399,807. The number of Saxony sheep in the state was 46,985,
and of Merinos 200,383, all others 127,246. The total population was
701,331.
In consequence of the excessive importations of foreign merchandise
in the last three years, under the Compromise Act, amounting in 1836
to $189,980,035, (m increase of $63,458,703 over those of 1834, the first
year of its operation, and averaging for the three years $155,465,703
per annum,) a large araonnt of capital was driven from maiinfactures to
seek investment in agriculture and in western lauds. The revenue from
customs and from the sale of the public domiin had enabled the govern
mtath m tfhy 1835 1 t 1
est gu bm nt f th 1 bl d bt 1 t th 1 f tl g j a
I f n 5 T u J f m ti am
m II f 1 11 th I, t 1 t n f
L d OfB Am 1 f h 1 i t
g nm t a d tw tj gl t m 11
dp d tl t t b k It w ! I
1 nlj bb h p at t 1 1 t b
It 11 t f th 1 k h d
I fift^ t nt n 1
ll
i t iy
h h a d
d f n th
was 1 t m 1
1 bj th
f th plu
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i.Google
410 PINANCIAL TROUBLES— EEICSSON. [ISST
and the abuse, aiic! of credit was but feebly checked by the "specie cir-
culai-" of the gOTernmeot reqairiog the Talne of public landa to be paid in
coin. A commercial reyulsion, auch as the coantry had seldom witDCssed,
resQited from these and other causes. It commenced on the lOth May,
by the suspension of the New York banks, a measure which soon became
general throughout the tTnion. A decline of over forty-eight railHoos
in the value of the imports — which still amounted to nearly one hundred
and fortj-one miliions, or twenty-three and a half millions in excess of
the exports— and of more than twelve and a half millions in the revenue
from customs, soon compelled the National Treasury to bon-ow money.
The financial troubles which ensued were not alleviated for several years,
notwithstanding various general and local measures of relief, including
a Bankrupt Law which obliterated many millions of indebtedness.
Numei'OBS factories, particularly in New England, were compelled
entirely to suspend business to the great distress of their operatives, and
the government was at length compelled to return to a system of higher
duties and of protection to domestic industry.
Reports, partial or complete, were made this year of several State
Geological Survey 3,IeadJng to better knowledge of the natural resources
of tlie country, viz. : of Maine by Br. C. T. Jackson ; of Connecticut by
Prof. C. v. Shepard ; of Delaware by Prof. J. 0. Booth ; of Ohio by
Dr. Hildreth, Professors Locke and Briggs, and Mr. J. W. Foster ; and
of Indiana by Dr. D. D. Owen.
Experiments in Smelting Iron with Anthracite Coa! were begun this
year, and snccessfully accomplished, it is said, by Baughman, Ginteau
& Co., of Manch Chunk, Pennsylvania.
The consumption of Anthracite Coal in the United States, or the
trade in it, amounted this year to 881,026 tons, an increase of 1,135 per
cent, in ten years.
The qnantity of Sole Leather inspected in New York this year was
665,000 sides, an increase of 150 per cent, in ten years.
Salt to the amount of 2,161,288 bushels was inspected in the State of
New York,
The number of Vessels built in the United States during this year
was 9i9, and their tonnage was 133,981,022.
On the SSth May the American packet ship Toronto, of 630 tons,
was towed out of the Thames against the tide at the rate of four and a
half knots an hour, by the experimental steamboat "Frinois E. Ogden,"
built by Captain John Ericsson, now of New York aid hited with the
patent propelling apparatus of his invention whtl i is s nee been so
extensively adopted in ocean steamships. Caj ta n E T Stockton of
the United States Kavj, who witnessed the perl a ce ordered two
iron steamboats to be built upon the same piincile i r the United
,y Google
1831] TOOLS — WHIE — TUMBLERS — BUTTONS, 411
States, whither Mr. Ericsson removed at his inritation iu 1839, and
built the propeller Princeton, for the gOTernmcnt, to test Ihe value of
the new mode of pvopulsion.'
In Massaclmsetts seventy-six furnaces were in operation for easting
iron, and produced articles to the value of $1,205,840. The sajid for
moulds was nearly all obtained out of New England.
The manufacture of Machinists' Tools was commenced at Kashua,
New Hampshire, by John H, Gage, whose establishment was probably
the first in the United States devoted exclusively to that business, whieb
is still, with other branches, conducted on a large scale by Gage, Warner
& Whitney.
One of the most complete Wire Manufactories in the country was
that of Townsend, Beard & Co., at Fallstown, Beaver county, Pennsyl-
vania, which supplied the valley of the Mississippi with wire. The
place contained, in addition to sawing, flour, oil, paper and woolen mills,
Bash, chair and other factories, a Bucket factory which made thirty
thousand buckets annually. Wiekershani's Wire Works at Pittsburg,
also worked up about six hundred tons of Juniata iron yearly.
Pressed Glass Tumblers and other drinking vessels were first made at
this time, the process of making pressed glass being an American
invention.
Covered Coat Buttons were extensively manufactured for Mr.
Somnel Williston, by J. and J. Hayden, at Haydenvijle, in Hampshire
county, Massachusetts. The factory employed about two hundred girls,
and produced daily upward of one thousand gross, from the most simple
kinds to the most elegant satin figured buttons. The Williston metallic
flexible shank button, patented in 1831, passed through fifteen different
hands in the process, the several operations being performed by ingeni-
ous machinery invented by the proprietors, who also made iron or pea-
jacket buttons by automatic machinery
Theie weie it this datt four Cotton Mills in North L iiolma \iz at
Gieeasboiough Mock&ville Haw river and Cane CieeL Two oi throe
spinning f'li.toHes of one hundred to two hundred spindlei, each carried
by animal power, weie in opeiation in Illinois producing cotton yarn
successfully from mateiial grown in the state Much cloth was also
(1) Tha Ogden wns mmed after F H invcnho Hi-iugh di-regarled a^d oppo-ed
Ogien Baq to manj j ara Araemnn by EnliEh eagmBer. atll the British Admi
Consul at Livotro"! «lio had besa eon r Itj Mr Ogdeu jo ned flie inventor in
neo ted with the flrat steam nav talion on eoTntrm t no> fli» h^-i ,^j .i
.vvt,iLiou on con-truol ng the boat oad amonj, otiior
theweaternmeriand on the ocenn emi servioas originated Ihe ideaofr ght angnlar
HBDt for hU atiaininenU .n meehanioal oramps m marine engines -Seo A,Ll«,
BOienoa, which enabled hini to understand Slottthlg /or July, 1S62.
and appreoiato the merits of Mr. Ericsson's
,y Google
413
COMPANIES IK NEW TOKK — PATENTS [183^
made in the families of emEgrants from states south tf Oii> who
emplojod the cottm piodn ed m the ooantij Ctmp.me, had been
incorporated in that state within font or liie jeara for lauoas manufae
turing purposes some of whioh had commenced operations
Oharteis wcie granted in iowloil State to the follomng compa
niea, ylz to the Pennlaa Mannfactaiu g Company toi twenty one
years, for manufaetuimg cotton and woolen goods and Ind a Eubhoi
water-pioof cloth or either of them sepal ately— capital $200 000 the
TJlstor Cotton and Woolen Manntactunng Company with a capital ot
$300,000 to be located at the Gient Falls of Esopns in Saugeities , to
the Kossio Galena Company and the Eos™ Lead Manulactnung
Company each with a cip til of $24 000 for raismg and separating
lead from the Coal Hill Alme " neai the village of Russia in St
Lawrence ciunty This rich vein of lead ore opened in 1835, m the
azoic gneissoid roclia of St. Lawrence county, was tliree to four feet wide,
and tlie solid ore averaged ten inches wide. It was worlsed by tiie two
companies in sections, but with little inowledge of mining operatiom-
tie ore being smelted by Moss & Enapp for twenty-«ve dollars per ton
of lead obtained. It was abandoned in 1839 on account of foreign
competition, after about 3,250,691 lbs. of lead, worth $241,000 had
been sold ; but mining was resumeti in 1852 by the Northern Lead
Company. The West Carthage Iron and Lead Company, in the town
of Champion, in Jefferson county, was aiao incorporated about the same
time, with a capital ot $200,000, to manufacture iron and ieatl.'
The Troy Academy was revived by an act of the Legislature, and
incorporated with the Eensseiacr Institute ; the latter to bo denominated
the "Department of Experimental Science," the other the "Department
of Classical Literature."
PATENTi-Duriug this and the three years preceding upward of one
hundred patents were granted for improvements in cooliing stoves
eiclnsive of cooliing grates, ranges and other stoves, jllien Poliocli'
Boston, patented March 3, a register and air-box for grates, etc. , Eliial!
Jaquith, Brattieboro, Yt., March 11, Heber Chase, M. D , Philadelphia
June 10, E. Salisbury, Providence, R. L, Nov. 4, and J Hungerlield'
Dover, N. H., Deo. 26, each a patent for truss for hernia; Henry a'
Wells, J. James and E. W. Peel, Brooklyn, S. Y., April 20 forming
hat bodies (of wool); Thomas Blanchard, New Torli Juno 14 and
HA. Welis and R W. Peck, Sept. 32, bolting or web for hat bodies
(of fur). [Mr. Wells, the inventor of the process now in general use for
forming the bodies of fur hats, by depositing the inatoriai directly upon
> hollow, perforated cone, revolving la connection with an eihausting
(IJ Whitnej'B Metallic Wealth of United States.
i.Google
1831] PATENTS-SILK CULTTJKE. 413
fan, obtained the first idea while expetiraenting in 1833 witli Blanchard'3
machine above named, in which he was interested, and which, thougli
unsnccesaful, probably contained the germ of the valuable mechanism
now in nniversal use. Mr. Wells went to England to introduce the
a here named, and found a Mr. Williams endeavoring to supersede
e of the bow in making hats by means of similar machinery, which
failed; and in November, 18i4, the former filed his caveat for the
improved process in the United States Patent OEQce.] — John W.
Cochran, New York,. April 29, Daniel Leavitt, Cabottaville, Mass.,
April 39, and Curtis Parkhurst, Lawreneeville, Pa,, Sept. 25, each a
patent for many chambered fire arms. In 1836 Cochran's rifles were
finished at a factory in Springfield, at the rate of eight per week.
Cyras Alger, Boston, May 30, cast-iron cannon; John Hatfield, Still-
water, N. T,, June 3, dipping loco-foco matches; Charles Goodyear,
New York, Jnne 11, divesting caoutchouc of its adhesive properties;
Stephen C. Smith, New York, Dec. 1, manufacture of India Rubber.
[The patent of Mr. Goodyear was the first granted to Iiim in that branch,
and that of Mr. Smith was the Erst American patent for making India
rubber boots, shoes, and overshoes, by simply giving them a thin coating
of the gum. Mr. Goodyear the Bext yearobtaiaed a patent for making
them wholly of that material.] — John B. Ogdcn, New Jersey, and John
Ericsson, subject of the king of Sweden, July 19, sounding instrument
for ascertaining the depth of water, etc. ; William Ilobhs, Springfield,
Mass. Dec. SO., secret safety locks; N. J. Wyetli, Cambridge, Mass.,
Dec. 1, prepariug ice for shipping.
The financial diKcnlties which overtook the country early in the last
year, and led to a universal suspension of the banks, as a consequence
of previons inordinate importations, injudicious speculation, and
a redundancy of paper currency, was still further increased by
« general failure in the grain crops of 1831 and 1838, which raised the price
of flour to $10.25 per barrel, and caused a considerable amount to be
imported, th by dd t 1 I f p B t I'ttl 1 f w s
experienced by th p t 1 pt f th b k th ly p t f
this year, tl d t tl t f mj rt d th t m f a
good wheat h t th p t y Th g It f th t y
received an dm tfptlkO dft I It ;
bnt manufa t g t p w g !ly p d d ly th 1 t f
foreign good d th p ml rr m t f th p d
The Silk C It wh h f 1 h d d g
amount of tt t th bj t f C t, 1 j tlythe
Committee on Agriculture, on April 20. Bounties continued to be paid
,y Google
414 A NATIONAL SILK-SOCIETY. [1838
in (lifforent states for raw silk. On April 3, tlie Legislature of rennsjl-
vania passed an act to promote the culture of sill!, giving premiams of
twenty cents a ponnd for cocoons, and ftfty cents for reeled silb, pro-
duced in the state, nntil the year 1843. Toward the close of the year,
the silk business, which had already felt the specdative impulse of the
times, received a sndden increase, manifested by a rise in the price of
mulberry-trees, especially of the multicaulis kind, the price of wMcli rose
to forty, fifty, and seventy-five cents, and soon after to betweeu one and
two dollars apiece. The culture, importation, and sale of trees chiefly
characterized the silk husbandry of the country at this time ; and much
less attention was bestowed upon the production of raw or mannfactnred
silk. The petitions value given to mulberiy trees duimg tl e next yeai
or two by the pievalent enthnsiasra was not of loi g continuance and
the healthy development of the s Ik culture recived a ludden check by
the depression «hich is su e sooner or later to follow an nnwholesome
stimulation. All manuf«ictured silks were at this time admitted dnty
free, except sewings which paid i duty of twenty eight per cent that
enabled the American \ rodncer to compete with the f Dreign article m
our own markets Nearly all the raw silk proda ed m the country was
mannfaetnred into sewing silk and expeiience I sillr n-ioweis deemed it
useless to attempt to piomote its culture by a dntv on riw silk with an
additional dnty on sewings or i Id e dnty upon ill silk manufactures
imported. This protection was not affiided ur til the busme-fs had
received an almost fital check bj the revulsion in the mulbeiry culture
which followed, causintt its almost entire al aidonment anl 1e truction
of the miseries On December 11 aConveition of silk growers was
held in Baltimore at which about two hnndied delegate assembled who
elected Judge Comstock of Connecticut president Resolntions were
adopted to form a National Silk Society fnhich was oigin zed the ne'^t
day), and to issue an iddress to the peojle of the United States on the
culture of silk. They also recommended the Piedmontese leel as the
best in use; that cultivators of the mulbeiry shoull gne attention to
the production of filk that auxiliary silk societies be f tmed m the
several states ; and th«vt another convention be held in "Wishington in
December, 1839 Mu h piactical informition wai f,ivon by members of
the convention. Spec mens of silk r bbons and galk oi s ma.nnfactured
in three weeks from the tree and woven at the rate ot tl ree hundred
yards a day, by a youigwtman after only thiee months instructiin,
upon a loom recei tly mvtnted in Mabsachuaetts and cert tied by i silk
merchant of thirty yea s expciience to be as ^ood is he ever saw were
exhibited to the convention, the Hational Silk-Society resolved the next
day to establish a national silk-journal, devoted to the advancement of
,y Google
1338] PINS — SPECTACLES— THIMBLES — PATEHTa. -1!^
the Bilk cause in the United States, tho first number of which was issued
in January following.
The value of domestic manufactures exported this year waa $S,3!i7,07S ;
of whicli American cotton goods constituted a value of |3,t58,000, or
upward of foyty-foar per cent.
The Howe Pin Manufacturing Company, at Birmingham, Conn., com-
menced this year the manilfacture of " solid-headed pins," under a recent
patent obtained by J. J. Howe. The article proved more economical
to the consumer by saving the waste and inconvenience occasioned by
the slipping down of the spun-liead previously in use, while the cost of
production was from one-fourth to one-third less, weight for weight, than
before, on account of the saving in time, weight of metal employed, etc.
A joint Resolution of the two houses of Congress directed a gold
medal to be presented to the son of James Ramsey, of Tirgiuia, as a
public acknowledgment of the services of hia father in first auccossfully
applying steam to the propulsion of vessels.
An improvement was made iu the electro -magnetic machine by Dr.
Page, formerly of the Patent Of&ce, by whicli currents were generated
sufficiently powerful to decompose water.
Tho manufacture of gold spectacles and gold and silver thimbles was
commenced at Long Meadow, Mass., by Dimond Chandler, wtose
successor still carries on the manufacture.
Patents. — Among the moat important patents issued this year are
the following ; to Erastus B. Bigelow, Mass., for an improvement in the
loom for weaving knotted counterpanes ; to David A. Morton, Groton,
?s. Y., for an improvement in the mode of attaching springs to car-
riages ; to John Ericsson, New York, for an improvement in propelling
steam vessels; to A, D. Ditmars, Chester County, Penn., for a mode of
preserving grass for hay by excluding it from the air in bins lined with
sheet-lead; to Isaac Sanderson, Milton, Mass., for a discovery in the
manufaetare of brown paper from a uew material called sand-graas ; to
David Bruce, jr.,, Bordeiitowc, H". J., for machines for casting and
smoothing printing-type ; to George C. Lobdell, Wilmington, Del., for
an improvement in the mode of making cast-iron car-wheels ; to Joseph
Han-ison, jr., Philadelphia, for an improvement in railroad cars, car-
riages, and axles ; to Frederick Tudor, Boston, Mass., for an improved
mode of packing and storing ice ; to John Howard Kyan, of Great
Britain (by special act of Congress, much censured at the time), a patent
for preserving vegetable substances, especially timber, from decay, known
as the Kyanizing process ; to Nathaniel Bosworth, Philadelphia, for an
improvement in the manner of constructing steam-engines ; to Charles
Goodyear, Roxbury, Mass., for an improvement in manufacturing gum-
,y Google
alo IMPORTANT IHVUNTIONB [1839
elastic sliocs ; to A. A, Hayes, Boston, for a process of estractirg
tannin from astringent barlts ; to Cyrus Al^r, Boston, for an improve-
ment in the manufacture of ploughs of cast-iron ; to Thomas and Jaraea
Keane, Harersfcraw, N. Y., for an improved mode of constructing metal
bench-vices ; to Walter R. Johnson, Philadelphia, for an improTement
in the art of increasing the strength of wrought-iron and steel ; to Col.
Stephen n. Long, IT. S. A., for a suspension and brace bridge; to
Elisha E. Eoot, CoHinsTille, Conn., for a machine for punching and
forming the eyes of axes, hatchets, etc. ; to Stephen Usticlt, Philadel-
phia, for an improved brick-press.
The closing year of this decade presents few events of importance in
our industrial history. The Silic bill commanded a large share of public
1834 ^^'^^"'''''i ! ^^^ there were symptoms that tho speculation in mul-
berry trees had reached its height, and would be followed by a
reaction. Many who purchased trees in the autumn of tho last year in
the expectation that, for every thousand dollars invested, they would
realize fifty thousa Ibyth 1 fth d I 1 w d dd ted
ill their calculatio M -n m It It
abundaoce at "t!ir t p t h Itl y
writer ventured to p It that th I
not exceed three 1 11 ] 1 1 d Ji
Pa., bad four hund d th d m lb ny t
of silli-worms, wh h m^ h p t d
millions. His coc y w th ! t
Silk Company," N t k t, pti $400,000, th "Valentine Silk
Company," Providence; the Poughkeepsie Silk Company; and tiip
Northampton Silk Company, capital $80,000,— had all sunk their
capital and had ceased operations.
The establishment in Jnly of this year of the Merchant's Magazine,
by the late Freeman Hunt, Esq., deserves to be noted, as an event
having an important influence in shaping the commercial and indnatrial
history of the country. The work, through the judgment, enterprize,
and integrity of its editors and publishers, and the ability of its con-
tributors, becarae a popular and authentic exponent of the principles of
Konnd mercantile policy, and a comprehensive record of the leading facts
which have marked our material progress during neai-Iy a quarter of a
century. It is now, in fact, an almost indispensable appendage to the
counting-rooms of the merchant and manufacturer, both in America and
in Europe.
Among the developments of the railroad enterprise of this period at
homo and abroad is the interesting fact, that Messrs. Baldwin, Vail and
ff
1 n
g eat
dw
Phj
1! 1
h
f 1
f G
1
40
uld
t wn.
ff
w g
t
1
t
!hon
fifty
i.Google
INDIA EtrBBBK — QOODYBAK — CAHBT.
411
1839]
Hufty, of Philadelphia, received this year applications from railroad
companies in England for a SDpply of locomotives from their establish-
ment.
Aa important improvement in the manufacture of Caontchouc was
patented in I'ebrnary, by Mr. Charles Goodyear, of New York. Under
the name of vnlcanized India lubfaer he intioduced an article lu which
caoutchouc wv> combined nith sulphur whereby it is enabled to retim
Its elasticity -it all tempeiature'! and to withstand any heat shoit of the
vnlcanizing pomt and any or til kno«n solvents By its meins an
abundant natuial pioduct of little value before has become of great
importance in m »nulaj;tui es and the art'! Thousands of opeialives are
famished piofitable employment, and the lives of great numbers
exposed to told and dampness aie by its uses as clothing iiinually
saved It is also constantly fonnd to answer as in excellent substitute
for substances the supply of which is becoming madeqnate such as
whalebone foitoise tihell ivory etc At the piesent time the mnnufac
tme of vnlcanized rubber m this countiy embiaces clothing of all
deaciiptions boots and shoes car spnngs belting and steam packing foi
raachineiy bills and toys for childien combs and wliilelione and a
great variety ot goods made of the haid rnbbei or luliber ivory '
On the Itth of September, Matthew Carey, of Philadelphia, departed
this life, in tlie eightieth year of his age ; and by his decease the system
(I) Onoutohoncorladio
io tho Blispo
IS2S tl
he Boston market, and in
IB26 Mr. Thotoiis C. Vfalee, of Bofitou, wlio
WM soon after anaried the sonbriquot,
Bliioli he fitiU maiulains, of being "the
rubter-slioe man," first introduoad to the
public tho origintil Para rubber ovarBhoB
in its rough, nnfiniahed stale, aa made by
the Indians of that oounti-j. This Para
shoe had the entire murkot of the United
States, without oompetition, from IS25 to
the time when the first " floodyear Pateut-
knoitn out of market. In (he year IS30 or
1831 Mr. Charles Goodyear was passing
tho depot of the Roibury Compauy in New
York, and stopped to look at a lifa-prt;-
server. On osamiDing the tubes bj which
they were inflated, it ooourrod to him that
he oonld improve their oonstraotion. Some
months after this ha presented a Epeoiman
of his improred tube to the agent of the
company, with a Yiew of disposing of it to
them. The agent, plea
shoe"
a to I
■n his al
ffas manutaclnred in Provideacei
Q after that, the sales of the "old-
id rnhbera," as they were called,
ed to inorease Mr Walei tl oigh
■e driven the only piti
i mode of mannfaoturiDg rubber,
that time Mr, Goodyear devoted his
lime and attention Io this subject.
ocBsful for years, he persevered,
-lends, under the
lEing
1 an b rraas ng pecuniary oircumstonces,
ab lasl when almost compelled to
□ Ion h 3 eiper ments be succeeded In
can ng In Ha ruTl or —a result wbioh
„ en b m a w rid vido eclobiity.—
/ J P r* II \yji 1. Frccdky.
,y Google
ilS PATENTS. [1839
of protection to home indastry lost one of its most able and indefatiga-
ble advocates. For years he had fonglit the battle of the American
manufacturer almost Bingle-handed, and it was not antil after Ms decease
that his countrymen fully appreciated the wisdom of hia political phi-
losophy and the ardor and sincerity of hia philanthropy.
Patents, — Among the most important patents issued this year are
the following: to Charles Goodyear, assignee of Nathaniel Ilayward,
Wobnrn, Mass., for improvements in the manner of preparing caout-
chouc or India rubber ; to Moneure Robinson, Philadelphia, for a chair
having a shoulder on one side only, for railroads ; to William C. Grimes,
York, Peon., for a smut machine; to William W. Wiswell, Portiacd,
Me., for cutting coats without back, side, or lapel seams ; to Cadwala-
der Evans, Pittsburg, Penn., for improvements in steam-bo i J ers, and
apparatus to prevent explosions thereof; to Stephen Vai!, Speedwell
Iron Works, N. J,, for an improved jack-screw ; to William Whittemore,
jr.. West Cambridge, Mass., for an improvement in the roller-gin for
ginning cotton ; to Jacob D. Custer, Norristown, Penn., for reversicg
the motion of steam-engines; to NoWe Jerome, Bristol, Conn., for an
improTemect in cloclis ; to Joseph Priestly Peters, New York, for a
machine for counting pills ; to Eliphalet Nott, Schenectady, N. Y., for
improvements in Nott's eoa!-stove ; to James Banta, IJtica, N. Y., for
a machine for packing flour; to Samuel Colt, Conn., for improvements
in flre-arms ; to Isaac McCord, Harrisburg, Penn., for wire tiller-ropes ;
to Conrad Liebrich, Philadelphia, for an improved double-catch bolt-
lock ; to Thomas Shriver, Cumberland, Md., for improrements in coaches
and other carriages, extending the perches beyond the jack-bars and
axles ; to Henry Crnm, Clarkstown, N. Y. , for a machine for turning in
the heads of wooden screws and rivets ; to Herman Haupt, York, Penn.,
for a truss for a bridge ; to Thomas Raeny, Philadelphia, for an im-
proved spark-arrester ; to Frederick E,. Dimpfel, New York City, for a
blowing apparatus for furnaces ; to Isaiah Jennings, same place, for a
new combination of ingredients for burning in lamps; to George S.
Griggs, Hoxbnry, Mass., for a self-acting brake for railroad cars.
,y Google
CHAPTER VI.
THE MANUfACrrURBS OP THB UNITED STATES.
1340—1860.
We are now approaeliJDg a period when the manufacturing indnstry
of the eoantry, established upon a solid and permanent foundation, had
attained such wonderful expansion that it is no longer possible to trace
its progress in detailed statements or isolated facts. In spite of tempor-
ary cheeks and adverse legislation, the Anglo-Saxon steadily widened
the circle of his enterprises, until the sound of his hammers rung through-
out the whole extent of the populated portion of the republic ; and the
chronicler of his achieremeiits, bewildered by the multiplicity of details,
and abashed at the magnitude of the task, gladly takes refuge behind
the imposing, though not always reliable, computations of the decennial
census- takers.
Tnrning to the census of 1840 for information as to the state of Manu-
factures at that date, wc are astonished as well as embarrassed by the
meagreuGss of details. Even of the leading branches in some instances
only the capital is given, in others only the product; and we confess we
do not know by what rule in arithmetic or mensuration any one could
bave calculated from official data that the capital invested in manufac-
tures at that date was $26V,T26,579.
Aggregate of the Statistics op Manufactures tn the United
States, on the Pibst op June, 1840.
No. of ■ Cipllsl Hanaa Vglua
EstRbrm'lB. In.sBled. Employod. Pruiiiosd.
Bricks ajidlime 22,807 S9,736,e4B
Carriages aoid wagons $5,551,632 21,994 10,897,887
Cotton 1,240 61,102,359 72,119 46,350,453
Chocolate 'jg gpQ
Confectionery j 143 ggg
C«rdage 388 3,465,577 4,464 4',078',306
Hardware and cutlery 5,493 6,451,!)S7
Dcnga, mediomcB, paints,
^yea, etc 4,507,675 1,848 4,813,726
419
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! MANUFACTtlBBS I
Capflal
Earttenware..... 6BS 651,431 1,612 1,104,825
Flax 308,087 1,028 323,205
Fire-arms 1,744
Farnitnre 6,089,971 18,003 7,555,405
Srauite 3,734 2,442,950
aims 115 2,084,100 3,236 2,890,293
Hats, caps, bonnets 4,485,300 20,176 10,180,847
T'r ::;;;::::;:::::::: ?:n-^.«.- -■« !S"
Maohiusry 13,001 10,980,581
Metals, preeioos 1,556 4,734,960
various 0,677 9,779,442
Mills, ftonr 4,364 1
" Br!«' 23,661 ___„„, ..^ ^^_ f 7,4H5621.bl..
176,545,246
...15,905 6,545,603
" oil 843)
Musical instruments 734,370 BOS 923,924
Leather —
Tanneries 8,220 15,650,939 2e,018J
Other factories, in- > ...33,134,403
dudfng saddleries 17,136 13,881,262 *
Llqiors, distilled 10,3061 a ,47 ^«a ,;, ™ 1-41,403,627 galls.
" fermented ^g J-.- 9,147,368 12,333 | __23,267,730 "
Paper 426 4,745,239 4,736 6,153,093
Powder 137 875,876 496 8,977,348 lbs,
Mntingand 1,562, __
Binding 447J ' ' ' ' '
ehipa and Teasels 7G7 119,814
Silk 274,3741
" mixed 4,368,991 J
Soap and candles 2,757,273 B,C41
Sugar refineries 43 3,250,700
Tobacco 3,437,101 8,384 6,819,603
Wool 15,765,124 21,342 20,696,999
It appears that the production of Cotton Goods was then, as now, the
leading branch of pure manufactures, giving employraent to over seveaty-
two thousand persons, and requiring a capital of over fifty-one niillioDS
of dollars. In a comparison with careful estimates made by a convention
of manufacturers, of the extent of the Cotton manufacture in twelve
States, in 1831, the number of factories had increased from 795 to 1,240 ;
the number of spindles from 1,246,503 to 2,284,631 ; and the value of
the manufacture from twenty-sis to upward of forty-six millions, or in
the ratio of one hundred and thirty per cent. Of the aggregate produc-
tion of Cotton goods, upvvardof thirty and one half millions an value waa
returned by the New Eogland States, upward of twelve millions by the
,y Google
STATE OE MANUPACTDRES IN 1840. 421
five Middle States, nearly two milUons by the Southern, and the balance
by the Western States. The namber of printing, dyeing, aud bleaching
establishments reported was one hundred and twenty-nine, and the
quantity of printed cottons made in thirty -sis print-works in three New
England and fonr Middle States, which were the only ones having print-
works, waa ascertained to exceed a hundred million yards annnally, val-
ued at $11,66T,512, or about eleven and a half cents a yard. The in-
crease in the total Talno of printed cottons was upward of three hundred
per cent. More than one half the amount was produced in Massachu-
setts and Ehode Island. The Dye and Print-Works of the Merrimac
and Hamilton Mills at Lowell, together turned out weekly upward of a
quarter milhon yards of goods of their own manufacture, dyed or
printed in madder coloi-s, of a price and quality that rivalled the foreign.
So skilful were the manufacturers in imitating new foreign designs, and
so rapid in executing them, that the importers of choice styles were not
unfrequcntiy undersold in a few days by the domestic commission houses.'
By the employment of the best foreign and native skill, systematic econ-
omy, and tact in every branch of the business, aided by a moderately pro-
tective tariff, the difSculties attending the introduction of calico printing
liad been in a great measure overcome. The Manchester Print- Works,
•^o d 18 9 h b m g the most conspicuous and success-
fi' til f t fi d 1 b r-saying devices, and has contributed
la ly t tl fin t prise of that city. Equal skill in
oth 1 p tm t b t h fly th introduction of the power-loom and
otl ■» 1 mp m t h d, within a quarter of a century from
^^ t d t f fh t ra h raised the cotton manufacture of the
U t d St te t tl k fc w holds, as the first among American
i"*! t p t t tl nt of capital, the number of hands
empl yd, 1 v luc of product. Our dependence on foreign manufac-
turers was still shown by the annual importation, on an average of the
nineteen years preceding 1840, of upward often millions' worth of Cotton
goods of all kinds, in consequence of which many of the New England
factories were about to close, and upward of thirty large cotton-mills at
Lowell, running each from six to sixteen thousand spindles, were only
(1) On the 1st of February, IS40, a, new fabric, ia New York, selling nt ten oonls per
pattern of DiouasellnadBlainesaiTivedftoai yard. The raannfactnrav had bnt twel™
PraBoetttHowYorlt, and was offered by the d.iyB to engrave the dsw pattern on a cop-
importer at fourteen cents per yard bj the per cylinder, from whieli (be engraving waa
CBie. The agent of a Rhode Island oalieo- raised on a. steel cylinder, then liardened
prindng establishment forwarded a piece of and made ready for impraasioa; the com.
the new style of goods to Providence the pound of ingrsdieats for oolors disoovered
day after their arrival; nnd in sistecn days by chomlcal experiments; the cloth printed,
he had tlio same style of gouds, and of equal driefl, and cased for market.
,y Google
in
WOOLEN a — ^CARPET S — SILKS.
able to ooBtinue by several times reducing the wages of the operatives,
until Congress should act npoa the tariff, which, under the compromiso
act, had now nearly reached the uniform rate of twenty per cent.
In the manufacture of Woolens less progress had been made, but the
capital invested exceeded fifteen millions of dollars, employing over
twenty-one thousand persons, and yielding a product Talued at
$20,696,999. Of the value returned, nearly thirteen milHona was the
product of the six New England States, and about one half that amount
was returned by the Middle States. The principal producers of "Woolens
wore the State of Massachusetts, in which the valae manufactured ex-
ceeded seven millions of dollars annually. New Yorl?, which produced
about half that value, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Al-
though the tariff had been modified in 1838, with a view to increased
protection to the Woolen interests, which, as the raannfacturers claimed,
then represented a capital of fifty millions of dollars, and to have in-
creased tenfold since 1815, yet the ad valorem duties, and the mode of
valuation established in that and subsequent acts, both for Woolen manu-
factures and for Wool, had in a great measnre defeated the intention of
those measures. Notwithstanding great improTcments in machinery, as
the most effective means of competing with foreign manufacturers, which
had reduced the cost of making Woolen cloths, in some of the best con-
ducted mills, more than fifty per cent., many establishments had been
compelled to suspend operations. But few successful attempts had yet
been made to produce tho finer qualities of cloth, although many com-
panies had been incorporated within twenty years for the manufacture of
broadcloths. The domestic manufacture of blankets and shawls had
reduced the importations of these articles. The power-loom had been
successfully adapted by American ingenuity to the manufacture of all
kinds of hosiery, which was thereby greatly reduced in price, A like
reduction had been made in the importation of foreign carpets, as well
as in the cost of the domestic article, which was becoming nearly ade-
quate to the demand. A principal agency in this reduction was the use
of improved .machinery, and especially of tho power-loom, which had
been recently, for the first time, adapted to the weaving of ingrain
carpeting by the genius of E. B. Bigelow of Massachusetts, by whom it
was soon after extended to the production of Brussels carpets and all
kinds of looped and velvet pile fabrics. We still continued, however, to
import annually upward of ten million dollars' worth of Woolen manu-
factures,
A regularly organized Silk factory on a small scale had been put in
operation by I. W. Gill, Esq., at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, under the super-
intendence of an experienced English manufacturer, who spun and wove
,y Google
1840-1850. 423
from native silk, velvets wortli four to six dollars a, yard, hatters'. plush,
dress silks, flowered vestings, liandkerehiefa, and otter fabrics. About
the same time, an establishment at Baltimore emplojed fifteen or tvrenty
Jacquard looms in making silk and worsted vestings, velvets, dress, and
other silks. Bat the chief products of the Silk manufacture consisted of
sewing s Ik fiinges tassels gimp'i coich lace and other trimmings. In
the manufacture of coach lace of whioh theie were several factories in
the country Mi B t,elow had recently substituted for the tedioaa hand-
loom process the cnrious automitn, machmery fiom which he subse-
quently developed the Eiussels aid Tapestrj Larpet loom already
mentioned The annnal value of silk manufactuies impoited was very
heavy, amounting on in avenge of the twenty yeais preceding 1841 to
about ei^bt and three quaitet m llioj -i c t dollars and for the year 1839,
inclnding raw silk an 1 one half tlie value o( silk ind n oisted, to nearly
twenty-three null ons
The Ii n minnfactu e constituted one of the gieat industries of the
country, winch though temporal ly depressed it this time, in common
with most blanches of trade and commeice allowed a gratifying increase
in the past ten years Ibe greatly augmented produttun and reduced
cost of Iiou making in England withm the Hst thiitj five years, chiefly
caused bv the moie geneial use of cheap mineral fuel of the Lot blast,
and impioved machineiy created a powerful competition with the
domestic manufdcturers with whom the cost of labor and the interest on
capital was so much greater A piompt adoption ot all new and ap-
proved processes and mechanical devices culminatmg m the recent
successful ise of anthracite m smelting and puddling and the application
of skill, economy and enteiprise scaicely infeiior to that of their rivals,
had alone enabled the iion makeis to sustain themselves against adverse
markets and combinations for then ruin Manj had perished, however,
in the effort The rapid increase of the means of inte nal communica-
tion, bringing into closer connection with the non interests the vast
depositories ol fossil fuel and of oie is well as with the consumers of
iron, and the numeious collateral interests with which it is naturally
allied, and the large demand forRailioad lion enabled them to enlarge,
multiply, and perlert then establishments even thiou^h a period of
unexampled financial embarrassments from which the country had not
yet emerged The ofScial returns showed a satisfactory increase in the
last ten years, and also m the next few years a severe check to this im-
portant industry. The number of Iron Furnaces returned in 1840 from
twenty-five States was eight hundred and four, whereof nearly one half
were in the two States of Pennsylvania and New York. They pro-
duced two hundred and eighty-ais thousand nine hundred and three
,y Google
424 THE mON MANUFACTURE — STEEL.
tons of- cast-iroD ; of which amoaiit about one fourth is supposed to be
made into forms, sueh as hollow ware, machinDi-y, plough and stove
castings, etc., and the remainder into wrought-iron ; of which tho total
quantity returned hj seven hundred and nincty-3Te bloomerieB, forges,
and rolling mills, was one hundred and ninetj-seren thousand two hun-
dred and thirty-three tons. The value of the weight of castings alone,
estimated at the market price ($S0 per ton), would have amounted to
five and three quarter millions of dollars The remainder of tho cait-iron
cunve ted into the quintity of wrought iion returned would at $s') per
ton hate been woith sixteen and three quarter milhons If to these
sumji he added one quarter of a million for converting five thousand five
bundled and fifteen tons of pig iron impDited in that jeir into forms
at in average of $50 per ton the totil valno of the iion iiade in the
TTnited States in 1840 was upwaid of twenty two aid fhice quaiter
millions ot dollars Including mineis the ent le business employed
upward of thuty thoasand pei-^oi s and a capital of nearlj twenty and
one half millions of dollara The quantity of iion officially lepoited
whith was estimated by a convection of raanufaetureia to be sixt}
tlious'iad tons hsb than tlie affloiint actH*illy made, was nevirtlielesi aa
inciease of seventy five per cent upon the estimated proSuct in 1850
Pennajlvania wat. the laigeat puducer of iion (.ontaining two hundred
and thirteen furnaces which repoited ninety eight thousand three hun
dred and ninety five tons of cast iion made , ■^nd one hnndied and si\ty
nine bloomaiies forges and rolling milh making eighty seven thou and
two hundred and foity foui tons The number of iron woiks erected in
that State withm the ten years preceding the 1st Jamaiv 1S40 was
one hundred and twenty tbiee — of which five were blast fuinicesfor
iisin? mmeial coal seventy two chaicoal blast fuinaces and fortj 'iix
bloomeiies loUing mills and foif,es Twelve others including three
anthiacite blast furnaces were erected dariig the yeai in winch also
six iron woiLs in that State failed or changed hinds by leason of the
depiession of the tiadc
Ihe connfiy «a8 already supplied bj domestic manufacturers with the
common qnalitics of steel foi all the coaiser kinds of agiicultural and
mechanical implements such nif pi one;! shares shovels scjthes mill and
crosscut saws — a single raanufaetuiei of saws in Philadelj hn u m^ np
one and a hj.lf tons eveiy worUi g daj in the yeai Common En„li';h
blister-steel was altogether excluded by American competition, which
had considerably reduced the price within twelve years. Steel had been
made at Pittsburg and in New York, from Juniata iron and that of the
Alteram and Salisbury mines, in New York and Connecticut, that would
boar comparison, for the finer articles of hardware, with the celebrated
,y Google
MANUFACTURES 1840-1850. 425
hoop L or Danamera steel from England, where alone it was made by
reason of the monopoly of the raw material. The want of blister-steel
of the first quality, from which sheer-steet and east-stoel are made, and
the want of suitable clay for crucibles, had hitherto prevented any com-
petition with Great Britain in the production of the superior qualities
of steel for the finer edge-tools anfl cutlery.
The whole demaiid of the country for Leather was supplied by domes-
tic tanneries, of which eight thousand two hundred and twenty-nine,
returned Id 1840, employed twecty-six thousand and eighteen persons,
and turned out between seven and eight million sides of leather, valued,
with the product of all other manufactories, at $33,134 403 Within a
period of twenty years tho principal seat of the solo leather manufac-
ture had been transferred from the neighboring Middle '^Ktcs which
had produced oak-tanned leather exclusively, and fiom Masi,ai,hu setts,
Connecticut, and Vermont, where hemlock bark had been chiefly used,
to the hemlock region of the Catskill mountains, in New Toik which
at this date produced more than one third of all the sole Isather made
in the Union, and a far larger amount of upper leather also than any
other State. Tho tannery of Zadoc Pratt was probably the largest lu
the world. Tbo city of New York had already Ijocome the largest empo- .
rium of foreign hides in the worid. Knmerous chemical and mechanical
improvements had been made in the art of tanning, whereby both the
quantity and tho quality of leather made from a given weight of hides,
was improved. Thero were manufactories of Saddlery, Boots, Shoes,
and Trunks, etc., in every town of ftny importance; the number of such
establishments amounting to seventeen thousand one hundred and thirty-
six The largest amount of capital, and the greatest aggregate pro-
duction of leather, and manufactures thereof, was prodflced in Massa-
chusetts, where the product reached the value of ten and a half millions
annually.
Of Hats and Caps enough were made for home consumption, and a
surplus was left for exportation. Of upward of ten millions' worth
made, nearly one and a half million consisted of straw hats and bonnets.
Although the valuable machinery used at the present time in the fabri-
cation of fur hat bodies was not yet ruaturod, the selling price of hats
was twenty-five to fifty per cent, less than it was ten years before.
New York and New Jersey, then as now, produced the largest values
of silk and wool hats and caps, and nearly one half of the whole product,
while Massachusetts manufactured the largest value of straw hats and
bonnets.
The American Flint Glass rivalled in solidity and elegance that of
foreign countries. The Glass manufacture altogether, including window
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4Jfa HATS — GLASS — SOAP— SALT— HAED WARE.
glass, glass bottles, etc., employed three thousand two hnndred and
thirty-six persons in eighty-one glasshouses, nnd thirty-four glass cutting
establishments, in which were produced a value of nearly three million
dollars. New Jersey and Pennsylvania were the largest producers. The
manufacture of flint glass, which from 1 824 to 1836 had rapidly increased,
and in 1842 employed seventeen furnaces, iiad gradually declined with
the reduction of the duty, and consequently of the price, under the
Compromise Act. The materials consumed were almost wholly domes-
tic and of large value.
Of Soaps and Candles, the American manufacturers, beside supplying
the home market, had, including spermaceti candles, over a million
dollars' worth to export. They produced nearly fifty million pounds of
soap, eighteen million ponnds of tallow candles, and three million
pounds of spermaceti and wax candles. Massachusetts produced one
fourtli of the whole quantity of soap returned, and the greater part of
the spermaceti candles made.
The quantity of Salt made in nineteen States was six million one
hundred and seventy-nine thousand one hundred aud seventy-foor bushels,
employing a capital of $6,998,045, the greater part of it in New York,
which produced two million eight hundred and sixty-seven thousand
eight hundred and eighty-four bushels.
Domestic Hardware, which a few yeai-s before could, with difficulty,
be sold without foreign labels, was now firmly established in popular
favor. At an establishment in the State of New York, fifty tons of
Horseshoes were turned out daily and sold, ready for use, at five cents
per pound. The value of Hardware and Cutlery made annually, was
nearly six and a half million dollars. American Axes were acknowl-
edged to be of unrivalled excellence. The machines for making Cut
and Wrought Nails and Spikes and Wood Screws, had effected a great
reduction in the price of those articles, and soon rendered the country
independent of importations. The value of Machinery made annually,
was nearly eleven millions of dollars, of which the State of New York
produced more than one fourth, and Pennsylvania and Massachusetts
together upward of one third. In certain important branches of manu-
facture, machines and processes were employed to facilitate production
and reduce the cost, which were wholly unknown in other countries.
The Stocking Power-loom, already mentioned, was in use here long
before it had been introduced in England. By its aid, a girl, receiving
two dollars and fifty cents per week, conid knit a pieee twenty-eight
inches in width and one inch long in a minute, and make twenty paii-s
of drawers in a day, while by the hand-loom two pairs were a full day's
work. Pins were made to the value of about $100,000 annually, by
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18i(HS50. 431
machinery, vi'iVa a rapidity stiii more astonishiag, and were fastened in
papers by a process uakiiown ia England. Being made with solid heads,
or all of one piece, they were superior in quality to the imported article.
The price of Ilooks and Eyes, which thirty years previously was oue
dollar and fifty cents per gross, had been redaced to fifteen and twenty
cents for the same quantity. At one establishment in New Britain, Conn.,
eighty to one hundred thonsand pairs per diem were made and plated
by a gakanio battery on the cold silver process. In ISiS, upward of
half a million gross of Hooks and Eyes, valued at $111,600 were made
in the State, and six factories tui'ned out two hundred thousand packs
of pins, worth |1TO,OOQ. The value of gilt, metal, lasting, and other
buttons of all kinds annually made, was about one and a half million
dollars. In the manufacture of Brass Clocks, of course, our countrymen
had DO rivals. The manufacturers of Connecticut alone turned out over
a million dollars' worth per auoum ; and were just beginning to export
them to England, where they sold at first at an advance of a thousand
per cent, oc cost.'
E t 1 1 th CI k m k H dw m factnrerg' and others,
t d th t j. dp ew markets for their
idttiifi 1 dt ftl tjas far from prosper-
M yw dljflwg Ell d other foreign coun-
t dfcthm dbd ly nnihilated ; labor was
dp tl dtljdt ff idt were nearly fifty per
t 1 th 1 d 1 bt d b t f w y before. Cotton had
flint tsj dpkdbft ight dollars a barrel ;
(1) '■ For the liist three jenrs," soya a cor-
rsspODdent of VaeBocheeter DetuocTat resi-
ding at Boitt'ord, " ne have heea gruduitlly
pushing onr«o(f» o/ lime into foreign coun.
tries; and sueh has been uur euccess that
nithin afew hours' ride of this eitj one tliPn-
sand oloclis are finished dail;, and it is a
fair estimate to put down five tundred thou-
sand docks BS being uonufnotured in this
State last jear. This year the nninber will
be Blill increiEed, as John Ball is so Blow in
hie movements that there is no hope of re-
form until he has plenty of Xankoe moaitors.
These we are now sending him by every ship
that clears from onr seaports. In I34I, a invoice of the article; and forty thousand
few oloeks were exported there aa an espori. clocks hove been sold there by this one firm,
ment. They were seized by the custom. —Sperry & Shan. Others aro now in the
house in Liverpool on the ground that thoy business, and the north of Europe has be-
were undervalued. The invoice-ptioe is one come our onstomcrs. India, too, is looked
a mart for these wares. Several lota
been forwarded to the ports of China."
leased, the owner having aoeomp
aniedthem
and satisfled the aathoiilies (hat
they could
he made at a profit eren thus
low. Mr.
Sperry, of the firm of Sperry H,
Bbaw, vtas
the gentleman who took out the a
■rtiole. He
lost no time, after getting possession of his
clocks, in finding an auction-ho
use. They
were made of brass-works cut by
machinery
out of brass plates, and a neat
mahogany
ease enclosed the time-piece. They were a
fair eight-day clock, but wholly v
I nil sown in
England. The first invoice soldfor
fonploflve
poundsaterling, or about twenty d
olinrs each.
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*38 TDE T^iRIFF OP 1842.
wheat to one dollar and twenty-five cents a bushe! ; and hams, lard, and
butter to from siz to seven and one half cents a pound. Farmers and
planters were unable to pay their debts, and sheriffs' sales were universal,
where stay laws had not been enacted to protect the debtor from Lis
creditor. The imports for consumption, whieli, in 1833, amounted to
eighty-eight millions, and within three years rose to one hundred and
sixty-eight millions of dollars, declined again, in the three years ending in
1842, to eighty-eight milUons. The consumption of imports -ger capita
rose from $6.25 in 1833 to |10.93 in 1843, had fallen in 1842 to four
dollars and eighty-seven cents, and the next year to four dollars twenty
cents. Excessive iuflation of the paper currency, and a spirit of reckless
speculation were a consequence of the enormous importations. The
bank circulation of the country, following the fluctuations in imports,
rose from eighty millions in 1833 to one hundred and forty-nine millions
in 1837 ; but on the reduction of imports, fell, in 1842, to less than
eighty-four millions. Banks were, consequently, in a state of suspen-
sion, and the Federal Government was driven to the use of an irredeem-
able papor currency, a d e en n tl that f u 1 tself so totally unable to
meet tho demands upo it that the Pros lent h n self was unable to
obtain his salary at the T ea u } ind as for ed to seek accommoda-
tion from the neighbor ug bt bers I tl g emergency, Congress, not-
witlistanding the con \ ron f« previon ly alluded to j assed the Tariff
Act of 1842, which largely I m u si ed the 1 at of f ce goods and estab-
lished an average charge of thirty three pe cent upon those dutiable.
The passage of this Tar ft lec gn z g protect on to American industry,
was followed by efi'ects wh hinatle te on PoU cal Economy has
styled, "almost mag cal H w wo de ful ie says, "were tho
effects of the tariff of 1842 v 1) be seen pon a per A of the following
brief statement of factb In ISi^ the ] ant ty of Iron produced in
the country but little escee led t o hund e 1 tl o an 1 tons ; by 1846, it
had grown to an amount excoel ng e gl t hnnl el tl onsand tons. In
1842, the coal sent to market .is 1 nt one m II on two hundred and fifty
thousand tons ; in 1841 t e\ ceded tl reo m 11 o The Cotton and
Woolen manufactures and mannfactu es of eve y i id, indeed, grew
with great rapidity; and tl ns vas made cvp jwho e a demand for food,
cotton, wool, tobacco anl all ther \ odn ts of the ileld, the conse-
quences of which we e seen tl e f ot that j r es everywhere rose ;
that money became eve j hfre al n hnt that fi mers and property-
holders generally weioonal W to pay off the mo t£,ages ; that sheriffs'
sales almost ceased ; and that the r cl cea ed to be made richer at the
expense of those who ireie poor.
(1) Hourj C. Cnrey.
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MANUFACTTTRES 1840-1850. ^29
A succinct recital of the circumstances which attended the passage of
this famous Tariff Act, and those subsequent thereto to the present time,
13 given ia the following —
HISTOKY OV TARII'Fa FROM 1843 TO 1882.
The operation of the Compromiae Tariff Act went on hy iiionnial retlnotiona
uatil 1841. During tlioao jeavs, however, great oliangea orertook the com-
marcial world, and the finances of the government were powerfully affected by
them. One effect of the passage of the Tariff of 182S haa been to diminish the
import of goods, and to induce, as a conseciuenoe, a larger importation oL
apeoie. This oireumstanoe gave greater strength to the Banking movement,
at a time when the harvests of Europe being abundant, money was then cheap,
and credits liberal. These oiroumstaneea initiated a season of speculation,
whioh was fostered by the war that had sprung up between the government
and the United States Bank. The government, on removing the deposits,
placed them with State banks, with the reiterated injunction to "loan liber-
ally to merchants." The numherless oircumstanoes that combined to bring
about the revulsion of 1837, and the suspension of the banks, by cutting short
the importation of gooda, ruined the government revenue, and reduced it to
the issue of Treasury notes to meet current oipeusea. The large imports of
the year ending with 1836, had, on the estinguiahnient of the pnblio debt,
caused a large surplus revenue to accumulate, which had, to the extent of
twenty-eight millions, been divided among the States. The revulsion now
compelled a return to the Tariff for means of revenue. The oompromise bill
had, however, guaranteed, that after 1842, twenty per cent, should be a max-
imum duty, esoept in case of war. It was not thought advisable to violate
that Compromise, but the twenty per cent, tax was laid upon a large portion
of the articles that had been made free by the Compromiae act. This did not
meet the reijuirement, since in that year the value of free articles imported
fell from thirty-six to thirty millions, while those dutiable increased less than
eight millions. This did not, however, prevent Congress from passing a law
to distribute the proceeds of the publio sales pro rata among the several States.
The law was to become inoperative if the compromise limit of twenty per
cent, duties should be infringed. The Tariff, therefore, became a question
again in the following year. The wants of the government were made tho
basis of a new movement, similar to that of the Havrisbnrg Convention, and a
"home league" was formeci, October 15, 1841, with the object of restoring the
high rates. The proceedings of the " home league" were endorsed by Mr.
Clay and the other friends of the "American policy." The President, in his
annual Message, December, 1841, called attention to the necessary revision
of the Tariff, advising a moderate increase, and a change of the home -valuation
priuoiple. The debate upon this passage of the message again opened up the
whole question of protection. The financial distress of the Federal government
made more revenue urgent, and the distress of the manufacturers was urged
as a reason why those duties should be high. While urging high duties, how-
ever, to supply the governmeut revenues, it was proposed to repeal (hat aec-
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of the Land-distribution act, wliioh, by its operation, brought the land
ba,ck into tlie Federal treasury upon the violatioa of the Compro-
In the Senate, Messrs, Calhoun, Basby, Bontou, and Woodbury, contended
witll Messrs. Clay, Evans, and others ; and in the House the debate was very
general. Mr. Clay deolared the government wants to be the paramount neoes-
Bity, and appealed to the patriotiBm of all parties to supply them. Mr
Caliiouu objected to the proposed Tariff that it was woree than that of 1S2S
The average rate was, indeed, ten per cent, lees, but the substitution of cash
duties for bonds or long credit, the sabstitution of specific for ad valorem
rates on articles that had fallen in value, the home valuation of goods, the
arbitrary mode of collecting, and the faot that it went into operation imme-
diately on Its passage, all tended to enhance its injurious features. He said:
" I shall not dwell on the faot that it openly violates the Compromise act, and
the pledges given by its author, and by Gcvernor Davis, of Massachusetts,
that if the South would adhere to the compromise while it was operating
favorably for the manufacturers, they would stand by it when it came to oper-
ate favorably for the South. I dwell not on those double breaches of plighted
faith, although they are of a serious character, and likely to exercise a very
pernicious influence over our future legislation, by preventing amicable
adjustments of questions that may hereafter threaten the peace of the coun-
try." The Bill was passed, with a clause repealing the clause of the land law
whicli suspended the distribution of the public lands, making the diatributlon
unconditional. For this it was vetoed, August, 1843, by John Tyler.
The debates were full, but with comparatively little excitement, and since
the want of revenue was so apparent, the bill became a law, without the ob
noxious clause: Messrs. Buchanan and Wright voting, Sn favor of it for revenue
reasons, but under protest. The law went immediately into ope ition
Among the changes that it introduced were the payment of duties m oa h ou
the home valuition by which the Collector of the port where any description
f g ds hould b mj t i was to cause to be ascertained the actual i alue
f th a tl I th p pi markets of the country where it was expoited
d t th tim f xp t To this value should be added costs anl charges
lud g mm n n 1 the aggregate to be the value on which the duties
a h g d All g I wool imported in an unfinished state si ill be
al d f t iy fi J d at the place of export. The appraiscis ool
ltr« dn Iffi -swreto have power to esamine parties under oath
n 1 t n t I Th were some of the provisions that were consifl-
d y u Tl T fi' went into operation at a time of great general
dep n n th ran al world, and, consequently, in a revenue point of
view, it was not so successful as had been hoped.. It did not, however, fail to
revive the tariff issue at the general elections. The hreacti of the Compro-
mise was charged, but the passage was denied as a party measure. Tho
average charge upon dutiable goods under it was thirty-three per cent., and
it yielded an annual average of twenty-sis million dollars. The change of
administration was, in 1840, followed by the Mexican War, and views in respect
of the tariff policy were again changed. The new administration proposed
three important measures in relation to the duties. The first, to abandon the
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MAHUPACTUEEB 1840-1850. 431
protective thenvy in favor of a revenue theory ; t^at is, to redice tlie rates
of duty, to levy them ad valorem only, to make the rates uuiform, and to
make thero payahle in cash ; the Warehouse syBtem, to facilitate the carrying
trade - and the Indepeodent Treasury, hy which tlie cash duties were to bo
collected in gold and silver only. The message of the President, Deoomber,
1841, remarked upon the importance of revenue rather than protection, and
advised a redaction of existing rates as necessary to an increase of revenue.
The Secretary of the Treasury made an elaborate report of the same tenor,
recommending a teveuue tariS, in opposition to a protective tariff, or the ad-
justment of the imports to such a point as would collect the largest revenue
without checking the importation, or, in other words, the course of trade.
Such a bill was introduced from the Committee of Ways and Means, hy Mr.
M'Kay, April 14, 1848. It made eight sohedules, in one of which all liqinors
were charged seventy-five per cent, ad valorem ; and all other goods, under
their respective sohedules, thirty per cent., twenty-five per cent., twenty per
cent,, fifteen per cent., ten per cent., five per cent., ad valorem, and the re-
mainder tree. It was estimated that these duties would give an average of
twenty-four par cent, on the dutiable imports, and greatly increase the sum
of the duties by admitting a larger trade. This bill was aooompanied by the
"Warehonsing act," which proviaed for the payment of duties in cash, and
that goods may be deposited in the public stores, subject to the order of the
owner for one year, upon the payment of duties ; that goods in bond may be
tran Jovted to any other port of entry, and other provisions tending to facili-
tate the operations of commerce. These bills again opened np the Tariff dis-
cussion But the former discussions had exhausted argument, pro and con,
and there could be little more said on the subject. Mr. Collamer defended the
protective principle because " it was necessary to national independence,"
and the Tariff of 1842, ■' because it gave revenue enough ;" and he denonnced
the abandonment, as intended in this bill, of protection as a principle of
national government. Mr. Rathbone opposed the new bill as "notlikelyto
give sufficient revenue." The debate was very general, but the tariff passed
the House, July 3, by a vote of one hundred and fourteen to ninety-five, to
go into operation December 1, 184S. The operation of the Tariff was extremely
simple all articles not free being charged with ad volorem duties. The Ware-
house 'systom was organised, as also the Independent Treasury system, and
the oonrse of trade soon adapted itself to the new regulation of specie pay-
ments. The Tariff operated ten years and seven months, viz., from the 1st of
December, 1846, to the Ist of July, 1857, and in accordance with the esti-
mates, it averaged twenty-four and one-halt per cent, on the dutiable imports.
The average duties under the Tariff of 1842 had been twenty-six million dol-
lars per annum. The average of the Tariff of 1846 was forty-sis mill:on
dollars per annum during its operation. It is to be borne in mind, however,
that the effect of the gold discoveries, by imparting great activity to trade m
general, promoted larger aggregate exports from the country, which, since it
had become a gold-e sporting country, could receive its pay only in those
Bocds which were charged with duty. The same influence had also caused a
rise in the value of commodities, and, of course, a larger yield to ad valorem
duties operating upon those high valnes.
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4-ia HISTORY OF TAjaifFS
The same causes wliioli had imparted such aetivif j to tte import trade, !iad
given animation to manufactures of all doaoriptiona ; and, while the govern-
ment treasury vraa oversowing, the general prosperity was apparently aonud.
The large revenue yielded by the Tariff was in exoosa of tlie expenditures, and
a oonsideraLJe acoumnlation of gold took place in the Treasury vaults. This
was not quite in aooordanoe with the suh-treasury law, which contemplated an
amount of revenue no greater than the expenditure, so that gold should pass
through the Treasury without stopping, thus keeping the specie oarreDcy
active. The aocnmulation was felt to be an inoonvenienoe, and the govern-
ment sought to reduce it hy the purchase of its outstanding stock at high
premiums ; hut a permanent remedy was proposed in a reduction of the rates
of duty upon all imported goods.
President Pierce, in his message of December, 185G, called attention to the
annual report of Mr. Guthrie, Beoretary of Treaaury, in relation to the neces-
sity of reducing the duties. The report set forth the large revenues in exceas
of the wants of the govarnment, and argued that aa all duties are a tax upon
the people, they should be reduced when no longer required for the public
secviee. It advised the placing of all materials that enter into manufactures,
suoh as are free in Gtreat Britain, upon the free list, and also salt, as a neces-
sity for Western provision paobora. A Tariff bill was, in accordance with these
reoomniendations, reported in the House, January 14, and engaged discussion.
Mr, Durfee, of Rhode Island, advocated free materjalB, bat wished to discrim-
inato in favor of Araerican manufactures. There was but little geaera! in-
terest manifested in the country in respect to the proposed changes. The
manufacturers of the East seemed more disposed to favor the free importation
of raw materials, than to increase the tax upon the imported goods. The
merchants of New York petitioned for the removal of the duties on sugar.
The debate in the House went on until January, wlien it became more general
upon the bill reported by the Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. Stanton
of Ohio, said it was very evident that the revenue must be reduced, but that
the bill offered was a manufacturers' bill, intended to favor the wool-manu-
faoturera of the East at the expense of the wool-growers of the West. Mr.
Waahbume, of Illinois, wanted lead protected. Mr. Da Witt, of Maasachusetfs
favored the reduction of revenue by freeing raw materials. In the Senate,'
Mr. Adams, of Mississippi, proposed making railroad iron free. In the House'
Messrs. Smith and Samett, of Virginia, favored free trade. Mr. Letcher pro-
posed a reduction of twenty pet cent, on the tariff of 1846. Mr. Campbell,
of Ohio, offered a substitute for tba bill, of which the general features were
nearly the same as those of the Committee of Ways and Means. This finally
passed, one hundred and ten to eighty-four. Mr. Stanton, of Ohio, denounced
it as passed by " fraudulent oombiuation of those who favored the protection
of hemp, of sugar, iron, and the woollen manufacturers of Massachusetts. It
was a blow at the wool-grower." In the Senate, Mr. Hunter substituted a
new bill, with large reductions. This was opposed by Mr. Brodhead, of
Pennsylvania, who favored the House hills. Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts,
opposed it, because he said the object was to reduce the revenue, and these
reductions would increase it hy encouraging importation. Mr. Collamer, of
Vermont, took the same view of it. Mr. Pugh, of Ohio, opposed both; he
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MANUFACTURES 1840-1850. 433
said " tlia wool-manufaotarers sesk to cuiu tlie wool-growers." Mr. Toomha
faTOred larger xeduotions. Mr. Butler, of Sontt Carolina, wanted the Tariff
abolished altogether. Mr. Touoej, of Conneotiout, wanted the revenue dimin-
ished by adding largely to the free Hat. Mr. Hunter's bill finally passed, witli
an amendment by Mr. Douglas, that woo! under twenty cents, foreign valua-
tion, flliould be free. A Commlttoe of conference finally reported Mr. Hunter's
bill, witli the free list of Mr. CampbeU's, This passed the House, one hun-
dred and twenty-four to seventy-one, Marah 3d, to go into operation July 1st
1857.
The effect of the Tariff was to check importation in the spring, and to oanse
a great accumulation of merchandise in bond, to be released after July 1st.
The important reduction from one hundred per oent. to thirty per oeut. on
spirits, caused a large cluantify to arrive, and the failui'e of the Louisiana
sugar crop in that year, added very greatly to the effect of the reduction of
the duty upon sugar, from thirty to twenty-fonr per cent. The elements of
reyulsiou began to manifest themselves with the operations of the Tarifi', in
the first months of which the goods in warehouse were put upon the market.
The money-pressure that followed came in aid of the designs of the pro-
jector of the tariff, in reducing the revenue, which fell -from $63,875,905 in
the last year of the tariff of 1846, to $41,780,621 in 1858. This diminution of
the customs, added to that of the laud sales under the reaction of speculation,
carried the revenue far below the wants of the government. This result ones
more brought with it the necessity for a rBvlsion of the Tariff In order to restore
the revonue. The circumstances that attended the Bession of 1S60-61 were
such as enabled the passage of the bill reported by the Committee of Ways
and Means, with little debate or investigation. The Act restored the highest
protective character of the Tariff, replacing tho ad valorem with complicated
specific duties, and the bill went into operation at such short notice as caused
it to operate upon goods ordered under the old tariff. Tills Act was followed
by another change in August of the same year, and by still another in Feb-
ruary, 1863. [8bb Appbitdix.]
Within the decade of which we are writing, 5,9il inventions were
patented in the TjDited States, and among them two of the most im-
portant of the present century, viz. : the Sewing Machine and the
Magnetic Telegraph.
The first American patent for a Sewing Machine of which wo have
any record, was one granted to John J. Greenough, of Washington
City, February 21, 1843. This machine made what is called the through-
and-through or shoemaker's stitch. The needle was pointed at both
ends, with the eye in the centre, and was drawn through the cloth one
way and then the other by a pair of pincers. We are not aware that
any machines, except the model, were ever constructed. In tho suc-
ceeding year, Mareb 4, 18i3, Benjamin W. Bean, of New York, patented
a machine for making the running or basting stitch. The cloth was
corrugated and a long needle thrust through the fold, and then tho
28
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434 aEWING MAClIIt
Btitch being straightened, was held together somewhat as it is in bast-
ing by hand. In the same year George R. Codies, of Greenwich, N. Y.,
patented a machine similar to Greenough's ; but tho first complete
Sewing Machine designed and adapted to general purposes, was that
patented September 10, 1846, by Elias Howe, Jr., of Cambridge, Mas-
sachusetts, One of the principal features of this machine is the ccm-
bination of a grooved needle, having aa eye near its point, and vibrating
in the direction of its lengtb, with a side pointed shuttle for effecting a
locked stitch, and forming with the threads, one on each side of the
cloth, a firm and lasting seam. Tho main action of the machine con-
sists in tho interlocking of the loop, made by the thread carried in the
point of the needle through the cloth, with another thread passed
through the loop by means of a shuttle entering and leaving it at every
Stitch. The thread attachment to this shuttle remains in the loop, and
secures the stitch as the needle is withdrawn, to he ready to make the
next one, and at the same time tho cloth is carried forward Just the
length of the stitch by what is called the feed motion. Wonderfully
successful as this machine has been, no prophetic eye then foresaw its
glorious future, and no capitalist was willing at that time to risk money
ill an enterprise so Utopian as manufacturing Sewing Machines ap-
peared to he. Disappointed in finding encouragement at home, the
patentee sought it in England, but ho was met by a skepticism eveu
more obdurate and discouraging than that of his countrymen, and he
returned home in a sailing vessel, paying for his passage by manual
labor, and arrived literally penniless.
Since the date of Mr, Howe's patent about 500 improvements upon
the Sewing Machine have been patented, some of them, to which we shall
elsewhere advert, of hardly less importance than the original invention.
Large manufactories have been erected that are now furnishing machines
at the rate of more than a hundred a day, and are yet unable to sap-
ply the demand. In ISGO the census returns show an aggregate of
111,263 machines made in that year in twelve States, of which the value
was 14,241,820. In the manufacture of clothing, caps, shirts, boots and
shoes, this little machine has effected almost a revolution, and the amount
saved by its use in these branches alone is estimated to exceed sixteen
millions of dollars annually. , The business, however, is yet in its infancy,
and tho past results, wonderful as they are, furnish scarcely a criterion
by which we can judge of its future,
Tho other grand invention which we have mentioned as having its
origin between 1840 and 1850, perhaps properly belongs to the pre-
ceding decade. We believe that it is established that Samuel Finley
Breeze Morse conceived and originated a practical plan of Telegraphic
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INVENTIONS 1840-1850. 435
commimieatioa as early as the autumn of 1832, liut it was not until 1844
tbat the «rst line ol Telegrapli in the ruited States was completed
This was tlie lino between Baltimore and Washington, for which Oon-
Sross, in March, 1843, had appropriated $30,000, to enable Professor
Morse to test his system of Electro Magnetic Telegraphs. The history
of this application is another record of persevering effort amidst manv
discouragements. As early as the autumn of 1838 Mr. Morse was iii
Washington ezhiblting his invention to Congressional committees ; but
though the results were manifest, the idea seemed too imprnctioaljle to
justify the appropriation of money, and the session closed without a
report in its favor. The inventor then visited England and France to
endeavor to secure the patronage of European governments, but in Eng.
land ho was refused letters-patent, and in ftance he received only a
useless brevet dHnvention, and no eiclusive privilege in any other
country. He returned home to struggle again for several years with
scanty means, and though his efforts were unremitted during the session
of 1848-3, he retired on the last night of the session without a hope of
success ; and we may imagine how greatly he was astonished to hear
oa the morning of March 4, 1843, that at the midnight hour Congress
bad appropriated the sum abovo mentioned to test the practical value
of hn invention by establishing a line between Baltimore and WasHng-
ton. The results arc before the world. In the siiteen years interven.
ing between 1844 and 1860, it is estimated tbat 60,000 miles of tele-
graphic wires wore put in operation in the United States alone, and
since that time the number has been largely increased hy the comple-
tion of the line from St Louis to San Francisco, which was opened
Oct. 25, 1861, and thenco to Oregon. In.Great Britain and Ireland
there are about 40,000 miles in operation ; in Germany 35,000 miles ■
m France 26,000 i in Emssl. 12,900; in Italy 6,600 ; and in Switser!
land 2,000 miles.
The two inventions just mentioned are conspicuous illustrations of
the practical tendency of the American mind. The Sowing Machine
embodied, in a simple and effleiont manner, the results of remarkable
mechanical Ingenuity directed to a spccHc, practical end. It supplied
not only our national industry but that of the world, both in the house-
hold and the factory, with an engine which was a needed supple-
mem to a long train of previous inventions and discoveries in mechani-
cal and chemical science, by means of which the production of the raw
materials of certain ultimate manufactures had been vastly augmented
Its introduction revolutionised those manufactures, and at the same
time, enlarged the field and increased the rewards of female labor in
Jttuig accordaaeo with the demands of the hour The Electro Mag-
i.Google
4>j6 inventions — the
netie Telegraph, in like manuer, appropriated to the service of mankind
the accumulated scientific knowledge of one of the most potent, though
subtle agencies of natnre, at a time when commercial intercourse between
cities and States was everywhere receiviog a vast impulse by means
of railroads and steamboats, and the quickened intellect of the age
demanded a speedier interchange of ideas. This tendency to practical
invention had been fostered from the foundation of the government, by
the patent system of the United Stat«a. It received additional encour-
agement under the general act of 1836 and by that of 183T, which in-
creased the force of the office, and provided for the diffusion of informa-
tion on the subject, by the publication of an annual report. An act
of March 3, 1839, also provided for the collection of agricultural
statistics, and another in Aogust, 1842, granted the right to patent
designs which materially contributed to improve the beauty as well as
the profit of many branches of domestic manufacture, especially in
metallic and textile materials. Under these acts, which gave additional
scope and security to inventive talent, though still falling short of a
perfect system, the Patent Office, in several of its departments, was re-
orn;anized and its businegg inoreaged. Notwithstanding the rejection
of a large proportion of the applications, under the system of examin-
ations established in 1836, so rapid was the increase of applications
that additional examining and clerical force was provided by Congress in
May, 1848. Of the total nurober of patents issued from 1T90 to Janu-
ary, 1849, amounting to 16,208, about two fifths belonged to the fol-
lowing four important classes : To Agriculture, which provides food
for man and beast, and a portion of the raw materials for manufactures,
1,966, or 12.03 per cent, of the whole was devoted ; and to tho manufac-
ture of Fibrous and Textile substances, including machines for prepar-
ing fibres of wool, cotton, silk, fur, paper, etc., for the production of
clothing and household fabrics, 1,5T9, or 8.14 per cent, of the whole
belonged. Calorific processes and articles, comprising lamps, fire-
places, stoves, grates, furnaces, etc., for giving heat and light for the
comfort and manifold uses of daily life, embraced 1,419, or 9.12 per
cent, of all patented inventions ; and 1,384 patents, or 8.54 per cent, of
the whole, belonged to the class of Metallurgy, and the manufacture of
metals and instruments therefrom, which supplied the tools and imple-
ments of industry. During the latter part of the ten years now under
review, however, the development of the metallic and mineral resources
of the country, and particularly of the gold discoveries in California,
and the coal and iron mines of other States, had caused the Metallurgic
and Calorific classes of inventions to predominate over the Agricul-
tural and Textile kinds.
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INVENTIONS 1840-1850. 437.
Tho following are among the patented indentions of this period,
which, from their novelty or practical utility may be presumed to have
added to the productive capacities of the nation, in the several depart-
meate to which they relate :
I. Among the inventions relating to Agriculture, patented early in
tliis decade, that deserve to he mentioned specially, is the Grain Drill
which may be said to have revolutionized the system of grain planting
in America. The flrst successful machine of this description of which
we Lave any record was invented by a practical farmer of Chester
county, in Pennsylvania, Moses Pennock, of Kemiett Square, who is
also accredited with having been the inventor of the Revolving Horse
Eako, of which the identical model, in all important respects, raay now
be soon in almost every hay-field in this country and in Europe. He,
however, left the drill ia a rude form, and the agriculturists of America
are indebted for the improvements that iiave been made upon it and its
present perfection to his ingenious son, Samuel Pennock, now residing
on the old homestead, which his ancestors obtained by grant direct from
William Poun. Patented in 1841, this invention was regarded with
incrodulity by tbose whom it was especially designed to benefit, and
it was only after repeated experiments and the lapse of years that its
value was recognized and acknowledged. In 1853, it received the
first and highest premium awarded to Grain Drills, by the Commis-
sioners of the World's Fair, held in the city of New York, and shortly
afterward, the British Government incorporated drawings and specifi-
cations of it in a Report on Agricultural Improvements. It is asserted
that repeated experiments have demonstrated that by the use of this
drill a saving of fifteen to twenty-five per cent, may be made in seed.
with an increase of yield of six to
eight bushels per acn
s over the old
broadcast method of sowing.'
(t) The following intereEtiQg aoDount ol
plm ted his wheat There)
™lt being entirely
the origin of tills invention and its im-
t« uao it for two
provBDiBOls, and tho amusing incidents at-
or three years, when be i.
nvited me, at the
tending its introduotion, was fnmiahad the
espiration of my lerm of 1
Etpprentieeshlp, to
author bj the invontor, Samnel Pennook.
come home and see if
it could not be
"In the year 183B or ISST, mj father.
improved upon bo aa to ad
:apt it lo general
Mosea Pennock, resolved to make a macbine
purpoaes of seedidg.
ivith wblcb to plant wheats believing from
"In 1833 I commenced
operations naln-
the nature of the case that wheat so planted
the mauhine jn the field di
would stand the winter better and be more
seasons, both spring and
autumn, m.Jdng
eeriaiu of making a crop than the then nsnal
such alterations and imp,
jear a rude machine was made with which he
, "In March, 18il, a pa
lent was granted
i.Google
438 THE GRAIN BRII.L — SAMUEL PENSOCK.
Among the agricultural inventions of value patented iu this decade
may be mentioned machinery for hewing plough heams, patented in 1840
-for snoh improveraonta as were deemed "The drill was so entirely now to a l»rge
important. majoilty of farmeta, that tundreda r^ected
"In thenutumoof this year, aslwiuaone it aa 'a knmbug,' declaring that 'I can
dayusinethamaohineinnnaighboringEi
one of the depositing tubes struck a t
miiea from honiB, or ftom any shop where cisms made and improvements auggasted by
the tnacbina oould be repaired. On ei- different farmers,- somo ' didh't like that
flmining more closely I found that it could „g!j. rid^e left by tlie drill between the
be repaired by driving the drag bar into its rowa,' ofbara objected to drilling in roas,
socket, and securing it temporarily by a ^.a it left too much waate land, etc., elo.
wooden pin. In abont flfleen Eiinutea I was
... 1. ,- ,0 "Thcintroductionof the drill, therefore,
on my way r^oioing, but aaking myself '
whether the depoaiting tubes conld not be "»= ^" ""'^™' '"'*" =" "^^'^ ""^ ■ """'"
so att«ehed to the drag bar that .pon a I'"' ^^ "-? ""^/^V""^ T^^^lT^'f
similar accident occurring the damage could •'^^^ '" *'? "■ '"'"'^^ ^"^''' ^■^■' "^
be repaired without scrLa cost 7r delay, fbiladelphia, bought one of the fir.t and
In the course of a day or two anothar rack '""' '* "> ^^' f'^™ '" ««" <=^^"« ''°"'"-"
was struck by tha same tube or taoth. This ^''I'^^^' '^*"'"' >>» °"'^'' "^^ '"^
t m d m g w d tb th t i-'te'^^fii? espcrimenlB. Measuring off
b t th a p b f m t d ' '""■^=; ^^"'i"S ^ni ^"^'^S broad.
„„ 1, fi „ [ „ pi d Th ' Uarnataly, he drilled one and a quarter
d d Idbm mv'''"''*^ ^'"'^' ""^ s""*^ bronJooat two
te th tt h 1 tl t" " m ' 1 E th "op, the reaull vafied from fonr to
, , , th f t b bushelspcraereinoreoseinfavorot the
, d li elusive of a saving of three pecks of
11 w d p w > k " " "'•'"'"• ■"
^ i p A mb f t
■" Z fbkdw td dff ty
^ , ''^ th 3 d II w th 1
th by rel g tb m 1 f
se dm d f w p ''^ th ~ d
'" ' ^ " ^ ' *>■ ^ ^ m f f th d II s y
Bould ha replaced in about lioo ro t i ^ ^
all be right again. . t , j n n. , "" p
"About this lame, a, farmer so «
BOUtheastarn Pennsylvania, who, Ira y
to say, was a Quaker, engaged me to drill in
his wheat, assuring mo that he had nii>e
ocrea, wbiob atatamant was afterward oon-
firmod by his son. When the job was done
and U) be settled for, the field dwindled down
to eight aeres, I being loser of a half a
dollar by the old man'a falsehood. By this " "^ *"= e^penmsnt produced quite
oii^oumatanoe I concoivod the idea of an citeracnt in the neighborhood, whf "
f th f m
tbydlltht ffdtog tbm
] II f th a dy Id a fifty (60)
acres by drilhng, over broadcast sowing.
Only one farmer accepted this proposal, and
by his own report, made after threshing, he
gained by the experiment more than seven
(7) bushels peracre, which gave three hun-
dred and fifty bushels of wheat for one drill.
arrangement by which the field could I:
the grain, and in a short time I had a
instrument attached to the drlll,now know
■e sold during the i
,y Google
1840-1850. 439
by Drapor Eugglea, Joel Nourse, anil Joha C. Mason, as the assignees
of E. G. Matthews, who, during the same year, imported from Scot-
laud the first subsoil plough, arid made valuable iraprovemeuts in the east-
iron and other ploughs, of which they became extensive manufacturers
at Worcester, Massachusetts. In the following year, improToments in
the plough were patented by Prouty and Mears, of Boston, who also
became celebrated manufacturers. A Mowing and Reaping Machine
was patented, ia 1842, by J. Read, of Illinois ; and another, of which
twenty thousand have since been manufactured by a single establish-
ment in the space of about four years, was patented by Wiliiam P.
Ketchum, in 1844, The second patent for the celebrated McCormick
Mower and Reaper was issued tho next year, and that of Obed Hassey
was surrendered and reissued in two patents in 184T. F. McCar-
thy, of Florida, made improvements in the Saw Gin, adapting it for
cleaning both green and black seed cotton, for which he received patents
in 1840. Some improvements were made in the mode of baling cotton,
the great southern staple, particularly by the application of steam to
that process, which was the subject of a pat«at to P. B. Tyler, of Phila-
delphia, in 1845, and by others subsequently. The Endless-chain Horse
Power was patented, in 1841, by A. and A. P. Wheeler, administrators
of W. B. Wheeler, of Albany, New York, who were probably the first
builders of them.
II. In Metallurgy, several valuable improvements were introduced,
among which was a new Pin Making Machine, in !841, by J. J, Howe,
of Derby, Connecticut, which was capable of turning out daily twepty-
seven thousand pins, beaded, pointed, and ready for silvering, by simply
supplying the material at one part of the machine. A machine for
sticking pins in paper was, the same year, patented by Samuel Slocum,
of Poughkeepsie, New York, and previously of Rhode Island, who, in
1835, had secured in England a patent for machinery for making solid-
headed pins, with which, ia 1838, a large manufactory was started at
Poughkeepsie by Slocum, GiUison & Co., which ten years later was
sold out to the American Pin Company, of Waterhury, Connecticut,
whither the machinery was removed. In 1843, before which time,
under the former tariff, American solid-headed pins had almost super-
seded the foreign, Mr. Howe also patented a machine for papering pias,
and for some years the Waterbury and Howe Pin Companies had
obtained almost a monopoly of the maaufacturo. For the production
of wood screws of brass and iron by machinery, carried on, in 1842, by
two large companies, at Providence, Rhode Island, where it was first
established, and by some in two or throe other States, to an extent that
was fast arresting importation, Cullen Whipple, of Providence, in
,y Google
no WOOD SCREWS — HORSESHOES — LOCKS — POWER-LOOMS.
1842, patented a new machine for cutting the threads, and, in 1845, a
Self-adjusting Screw Piaishor, of much value to the trade. Pour pat-
ents were granted, in 1846, tu Thomas J. Harvey, of New York, for
threading and heading wood screws, and two, in 1S48, to John Crum,
assignor to Heary L. Pierson, of Ramapo Works, New York. Before
the close of this decade, the American manufacturers obtained exclusive
control of the market, the Providence companies supplying over eighty
per cent, of the whole ; a single company having, for some years past,
turned out aboat ten thousand gross daily.
Improved flie-cutting machinery was patented, in 1845, by Solomon
Whipple, of Rhode Island, and, in 1847, by Richard Walker, of New
Hampshire, the latter said to be capable of making six or eight common
files per hour, and so easily operated that a five horse-power engine
would drive at least fifty machines. Portable machinery for planing
iron was the subject of a patent granted to Alfred C. Jones, in 1S4T;
and an improved machine for that use, exhibited, in 1849, at the Amer-
ican Institute Fair, in New York, by G. B. Harston, of that city, was
estimated to save annually two millions of dollars in files alone, which
had been previously used for polishing surfaces of iron. An improTe-
ment in the machine for making Horseshoes, Chain-links, etc., was
patented, in 1843, by Henry Burden, of Troy, who was also the inventor
of a machine for making spikes and rolling puddler's balls. In 1844,
patents were granted to Linus Yale, of Springfield, for an improve-
ment in Door Locks, and to Robert Newell, of New York, in 1843 and
1844, for improvements on bis Permutation and other Locks. In 1848,
patents were granted to the Collins Company, of Connecticut, as the
assignees of E. K. Root, for machinery for dressing Axes, to Jordan
L. Mott, of New York, for a process of Chilling Iron Castings, and to
George F. Muntz, of Birmingham, England, for a Composition Sheath-
ing Metal, being the well known combination of lead with copper and
zinc, which bears his name.
III. In the manufacture of Fibrous and Textile Substances, several
valuable inventions were patented. Among these were several of the
early inventions of Erastus B. Bigelow, of Massachusetts, which have
had a marked inHuenee on several branches of textile art in this country
and in Europe. The Power-Loom, for weaving figured counterpanes,
etc., was patented in 1840 ; that for weaving plaids, in 1845, in which
year the inventor obtained three other patents for loom temples,
speeder-fliers, etc. lu 1846, he patented the two and three ply ingrain
carpet power-loom, and in the ensuing year, the Brussels and tapestry
carpet loom, inventions which have built up not only the first power
factory, but some of the most complete and extensive establishments in
,y Google
INVENTIONS 1840-1850. 441
thQ country at Lowell, TbompsonviUe, Tariffville, and Humphrcysville,
Connecticut, and others in Great Britain, enriching the inventor and
liis licensees, at tho same time reducing the price of carpetiags full
twenty per cent, and nearly suspending their importation by intro-
ducing a radical change in tho manufacture at home and abroad. Wil-
liam Sherwood, of Conneeticut, also patented, in 1846, an improvement
on carpet power-looms, and John Perrins, of Philadelphia, an improve-
ment in the Jacquard Frame for weaving figured fabrics. The self-
acting mule, for spinniEg cotton and other fabrics, received some valu-
able improvements at the hands of William Mason, of Taunton, by
whom they were patented in 1846. It was during the same year that
the first patent was granted to Elias Howe, Jr., of Cambridgeport,
Massachusetts, for the Sewing Machine already noticed, which was
the fifth one recorded, and was followed in 1849, by five other patents
for Sewing Machines ; and those by 59T others, up to the close of
1863, John Ames, of Springfield, Massachusetts, received, in 1840, a
patent for making, ruling, and catting paper at one operation. In Octo-
ber of the same year, Reuben Daniels, of Woodstock, Vermont, was
granted a patent for a machine for reducing worn-out cloths, silk,, and
other materials to the fibrous state, so as to be manafactiired into
cloth. Two other patents were issued in that year to Thomas WiUiama
or Williamson, of Newport, Rhode Island, then resident in England ; the
one for machinery for the manufacture of stuffs in which the fibreS of
various materials were united by adhesive mixtures, and another for
machinery for making felt cloths without spinning or weaving. This in-
vention appears to have been a limited application to the manufacture
of felt cloths of machinery previously patented- and operated in Eng-
land, for the, production of webbing for hats, by the use of a carding
machine, for preparing the materials of pervious cones and exhausting
fans, as previously suggested by Blanchard, for forming the web which
was afterward dipped in an agglutinating fluid. The American patent
did not include its application to the making of hat bodies, which was
successfully carried out by H. A. Wells, who took out his first patent
for improvement in the machinery by which nearly all hat bodies are
now made, in April, 1846. It was assigned to H. A. Burr, and others,
in New York, who received additional patents in 1847, and subsequent
years. Joseph Whitworth, of Manchester, England, received, in 1848,
an American patent for Knitting Machinery, for which object ten others
were recorded during the previous nine years. Mr. Sands Olcott, of
New Hope, Pennsylvania, in 1840, was granted two patents for pre-
paring the fibres of unrotted Flax for carding and spinning in the
manner of cotton, by automatic machinery. He was able to supply
,y Google
442 INDIA RUBBER — GUTTA PERCHA— SUGAR.
a material at eight cents a pound, which was an early approximation
to the cottonized flax and flljrillia, now prepared for the same purpose
by various meehanical and chemical means. Ho afterward attracted
considerable attention to the subject of spinning flax by machinery, by
delivering lectures upon his improvements, which wore suspended by
his death.
IV. In Ghemical Processes and Manufactures some important im-
provements were made, particularly in the treatment of Caoutchouc,
and Gutta Percha, and of Sugar Cane, etc. In the former braneh, C.
B. Arnold and Edward Rogers, as the assignees of Edwin M. Chaffee,
of Massachusetts, in 1841, patented a mode of manufactnring balls of
Caoutchouc; in 1845, Selson Goodyear, for combining fibrous sub-
stances with gum in forming India Rubber fabrics with a firm body,
and smooth surface, like leather ; H. H. Day, in connection with
Tyre and Helm, of New Jersey, and James Bogardus, of New York,
for a machine for cutting India Rubber threads for the production of
Shirred goods, 0. R Durant, of New Jersey, in 1848, received a
patent for dissolving and softeoicg Gutta Percha and India Rubber in
chloroform, and H. H. Day another for preparing Gutta Percha fabrics
in imitation of patent leather. Henry Bewley, of Ireland, May 33, of
that year, received a patent for making flexible syringes, etc., of Gutta
Percha. Oo the same day with the last, American letters patent were
granted to Cbarles Hancock, Richard Archibald Brooman, and to
Charles Keene, severally, for improvements in the manufacture of Gutta
Percha, which at that time was attracting much attention, and in that
year was first manufactured in the United States. The 5rst related
to the manufacture of bands or belting ; the second to a mode of
moulding, stamping, or embossing ; and the last to a combination of
Gutta Percha and India Rubber, for making shoes, all of which had
been patented in England. A new process of making and refining
sugar, which dispensed with the use of clay in refining, and reduced
the time two thirds, and increased the quantity and quality of the
sugar, was patented in 1843, by Professor Mapes of New York, who
also patented a new evaporating pan and filter. In 1845, J. F, Lapice,
of France, as the assignee of Charles Louis Derosne, Francis Duplessis,
of New Orleans, and others, patented improvements which advanced
the sugar interests of the Southern States. Other patents were re-
ceived in 1846 by N, Rellieux, of New Orleans, by G. Michiels, of
Guadaloupo, and by Alfred Stillman, of New York, the last for an
improved sugar pan, and in the subsequent years others were issued for
the same purpose, to foreign and American citizens.
The compound, or oxyhydrogeu blowpipe, so valuable to the analytical
,y Google
INVENTIONS 1840-1850.
chemist and the manufacturer of artificial gems, was the subject of a
patent by Professor Hare, tlio iaventor, in 1845. In the same year a
patent was granted to Isaac Tyson, Jr. , of Baltimore, for the manufacture
of Chromate of Potash. Two patents were issued, in 1847, to R. A.
Tilghman, an American then residing in England, for subjects of mucb
scientific and practical interest ; the one for a mode of decomposing
alkaline salts by the action of steam at a high temperature ; the other
and earlier one for malting Sulphate and Muriate of Potash from feld-
spar. Martin Kalbfleisch, of Bushwick, New York, received a patent
for an improvement in the manufacture of Pmssiate of Potash and
Soda. An improvement in Calico Printing was patented the same
year, by Bennett Woodcroft, of England, who has since been at the
head of the Patent OiBce in that country. The separation of Lard Oil
from the solid constituent of fat, by pressure, and also a mode of
purifying oils, were patented in 1844, and have proved valuable.
V. In Calorifics a large number of patents wore issued in the ten
years preceding 1850, particularly for stoves, grates, ranges, furnaces,
lamps, etc., and in designs for their ornamentation. A combined Cal-
drou and Fumace for tbo use of agriculturists, was patented in 1840,
by Jordan L. Mott, of Mott Haven, New York, whose name often
occurs, in earlier and later years, as an improver of stoves, grates,
ranges, and other eastings. Among otber improvements in this line
may be named those of Gardner Chilson, of Boston, in 1840, for Bakers'
Furnaces, and in 1345 and 1848, for Hot Air Furcaces, and other im-
provements by the same manufacturer ; a mode of warming buildings
by converting hollow walls into flues, by John A. Stowart, of Phila-
delphia, in 1840 ; a stove for heating rooms, by J. H. B. Latrohe, of
Baltimore, in 1846, which is much used in some parts of the country ;
a self-acting Eegister for stoves, by Washburn Race, of Seneca Falls,
New York, in 1846 ; improvements in Cooking Ranges, by Moses
Pond, of Boston, in 1845 and 1846; and another, in 1846, by J. P.
Hayes, of that city, and by other persons. Numerous improvements
in parlor and cooking stoves, grates, etc., by R. D. Granger, of Auburn,
New York, in 1341, and subsequent years, and by many others. The
patents for new designs in patterns for stoves, grates, fenders, etc., by
the principal manufacturers, were exceedingly numerous. In ventila-
tors or chimney caps, improvements were patented by Frederick Emer-
son, by J. P. Hayes, of Boston, and others, in ]84'7 and 1848. Many
improvements in the construction and designing of lamps for burning
lard oil, camphone, and other chemical mixtures then coming into use,
were made by Dyott and Cornelius, of Philadelphia, Jennings and
Rust, of New York, and others.
,y Google
Hi BOATS — SIlSrENaiON BRIDGES— INCLINED PLANEB.
VI. Navigation aad roaritimo improvements received several valuable
additions, in the Metallic Life and other boats, patented by Joseph
Francis, of New York, in 1841 and 18i5; and the portable India
Rubber boat patented by H, H. Day, in 18i6 ; in the Eumorous modifi-
cations of screw, spiral, and other propellers, and in the mode of apply-
ing them to ships, including an improved form of propeller, by Eleazer
Eeard, of Maine, in 1841 ; a screw propeller, by John Ericsson, in
1845 ; a modo of elevating and depressing propellers, by R, 1\ Loper,
in the same year, and in the manufacture of ships' sails, by James
Maull, of Philadelphia. In 1849, a patent was granted to Abraham
Lincoln, of Springfield, Illinois, late President of the United States, for
an apparatus for buoying vessels, designed to be placed on each side
of the iiull of steamboats, or other vessels, and inflated somewhat as a
bellows, to float them over sand bars, snags, and other obstrnctions.
VII. Civil Engineering, and Architecture, received many useful
auxiliaries in patent machines and inventions made available in
the rapid extension of the railroad and canal system, and the im-
provement of the river navigation of the country, and in the improve-
ment of wood and iron working machinery. Adapted to the former
class of works were numerous machines for excavating and remov-
ing earth, extracting trees, stumps, and snags, breaking stones, boring
and blasting rocks, excavating and dredging canals, docks, and natural
water-courses, etc. A combined canal and railroad was patented
in 1845, and a portable coffer daai, in the following year, by 8. S
Walley, of Charlestown, Massachusetts. An improvement in the mode
of anchoring suspension bridges by placing the anchor under the pier,
was patented by John A. Roebling, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to
whom another patent was granted in 1841, for apparatus forpaasing
suspension wires across rivers, etc. Horace V Russ, of New York,
patented, in 1848, the substratum for pavements which bears his name,
and a compound break-joint Railroad Rail was the same year patented by
B. A. Latrobe, of Baltimore. Machinery forascending and descending in-
clined planes was the subject of a patent, in I84T, by Geo. H. Sellers,
of Philadelphia.
VIII. In land conveyances, comprising carriages, cars, and other
vehicles, and the parts thereof, the major part of the improvements
patented related to railroad cars, ear wheels, brakes, springs, etc. In
1841, Charles Davenport and Alfred Bridges, of Cam bridge port, Massa-
chusetts, patented improvements in the construction of railroad car-
riages, as did also P. & W. C. Allison, of Philadelphia, in the axles
of cars. For a mode of ascending and descending inclined planes by
locomotives, which then attracted much attention, a patent was ob-
,y Google
VALUABLE INVEHTIONa 1840-1850. 445
tained by Ezra Coleman, of Philadelphia, in 1845. Improvements in
cast-iron car wheels were patented by Asa Whitney, of Philadelphia,
whose method of annealing and cooling them in pits has been very
successful ; by Anson Atwood, of.Troy, New York, in 184T, whose cor-
rugated cast-iron wheels are well known to railroad men ; by Isaac
Yaa Kuran, of Rochester, New York, in 1849, and by others. Fowler
M. Ray, of Kew York, in 1848, patented the Metallic India Rubber
and Pneumatic Car Spring, which was extensively manufactured for
him by the New England Car Company, although "W. C. Fuller, of
England, had previously obtained patents for the same in both coun-
tries, and undei- his patent they were manufactured by H, H. Day &
Company.
IX. In the class of Hydraulics were embraced many novelties and
some valuable improvements, in water-wheels, pumps, rams, presses,
fire engines, etc. John Houpt, of Alabama, in 1841, patented an im-
proved hydrostatic or hydraulic Cotton Press ; and a portable Steam
Pump, by William Boardman, Jr., in 184T. J. A. Lettellier, of Paris,
took out an American patent, in 1848, for an improvement on the
Arcliimcdan screw for raising water, whicli bad been previously
patented in France. Manoah Aldeo, of Balstoa, Pennsylvania, in
1848, patented the Fan-blower for furnaces, wbich has proved of much
value in the iron manufacture.
X. In Grinding Mills and Mill Gearing, etc., many improvements,
valuable to the agricultural classes, were patented, especially in small
portable mills to be worked by hand or horse-power, in machines for
separating garlic, smut, etc., from grain, and in horse-power fer driving
threshiag machines, straw cutters, etc. An improved Sugar Mill was
patented, in 1846, by Alfred Stillman, of New York, and one for grind-
ing grain, paint, drugs, etc., by Wm. Broughton, of London, in the
same year. A machine for balancing and finishing Burr Millstones
was patented by E. Morrison, of Utica, New York, in 1849.
XI. In Lumber, and the tools and machinery for working it, in-
vention was stimulated by the abundance and cheapness of materials
and by the great success attending some earlier improvements in this
branch. Two patents were granted, in 1840, to John H. Stevens, of New
York ; one as the assignee of Chauneey E. Warner, the inventor, fiiv
turning wooden boxes, and the other, in which be was the assignee
of Elisha Fitzgerald, for cutting splints for friction matches, which
was the subject of another patent in the same year by N. T. Winans
and Thaddous Hyatt, of New York. T. L Wells, of New York city,
in 1841, patented a machine for cutting Dovetails and Tenons, in
wbich year a valuable practical patent was recorded by George Page,
,y Google
446 BI.ANCHARD'S inventions— TANNIf^O IMPLEMENTS,
of Baltimore, for a portable circiilai' saw-raili. Many other useful appli-
cations and improvements of circular and other saws were made by
adapting them to the sawing of veneerings of greater .thinness than
before, shinglea, clapboards, staves, spokes, and other irregular forms
previously cut hy hand, or with much greater expenditure of time, labor,
and material. These included several anodiflcationa of the machine for
turning irregular frames by Thomas Blatichard, who received, in 1849,
aseeond extension of his patent; and in the same year he was granted
a new one for machinery for bending wood, which was re-issued in 1851.
Among these modifications was one by Warren Hale and Allen Oood-
man, of Dana, Massachusetts, for a lathe adapted for turning Piano
legs and similar articles, patented in 1845. In 1848, Mr. Good-
mnn, as tho assignee of Wm. Gibbs, of Prcscott, also received a patent
for ptaiiing irregular forms, and another for seif-acting machinery for
turning such shapes to any desired pattern from blocks of timber. The
patent of the Woodworth Planing machine was, by act of Congress,
exteoded, in 1845, for seven years from December, 1849, and has since
expired without renewal. A maehioe for mating barrels was patented
ia 1845 by William Trapp, Jr., of Drydea, New York. A machine
for punching and pointing- wooden shoe pegs was patented, in 1848, hy
H. P, Wescott, of Seneca Palls, New York.
XII. Leather, including tanning and dressing, the manufacture of
boots, shoes, saddlery, harness, etc. In this department of industry many
labor-saving improvements were patented, and included, in 1840, two
patentsbySamuelSheldoD, of Cincinnati, for pricking leather preparatory
to stitching; one by John H. Dupoat and Theodore Hyatt, of New York,
for gum elastic gores for gaiter boots ; a method of whitening leather by
Prof. Jas. C. Booth, of Philadelphia ; for methods of splitting leather by
Alpha Eichardson, of Boston, in 1841, and by I. P. Pairlamb, of Wil-
mington, Delaware, in 1848. Among numerous patents for the hand-
liug and tanning of hides, mostly designed to hasten the tanning process,
was one granted, in 1846, to A. H. Beschorman, of New York, for a
foreign invention, which consisted in passing the hides stretched to-
gether in an endless belt or apron over a series of rollers, one half of
them within and the other half without the vat, for the successive pur-
poses of washing, liming, vatting, tanning, stuffing, or drihbing, etc.
Lewis C. England, of Tioga county, New York, in 1847, received a
patent for an improvement in tanning called paddle wheel handlers, for
stirring the stock in the liquors, and designed to dispense with manual
labor in handling altogether. Subsequent mechanical improvements by
the same inventor, have rendered the labor of two men sufficient to do
the yard work of a tannery working in and out one hundred and fifty
,y Google
VALUAELK INVENTIONS 1&40-1850. HI
hides per diem, and have bi'ought his system into very extensive use in
New EDgland and the Middle States. la the year last named/Simon
0. Shive, of Pennsylvania, patented a machine for draughting, cutting
and blocking boot patterns, which has been found of considerable prac-
tical advantage. In the following year, Joel Kobinson, of Methuen,
Massachusetts, patented a shoe pegging machine, containing several
novel features, and which performed automatically the several processes
of punching the holes, inserting and driving the peg with great accuracy.
Xm, In Household Furniture and machines and instruments for
domestic purposes, numerous patents were granted, and if few of them
were of a conspicuous character, their aggregate influence upon the
domestic economy and comfort of the nation, and even their value as
articles of manufacture, is not to be measured by their apparent insig-
nificance as inventions. Some have been the foundation of respectable
fortunes.
XIV. In the Polite, Fine, and Ornamental Arts there were many
. minor, and some very valuable improvements patented. The Piano foi-te
received modifications and improvements which were patented by Jonas
Chickering, of Boatoa, in 1840, and in 1843 by Newhalj, the Gilberts,
Draper, and others of same place, by Senior of New York, Gray of
Albany, Schomacker, of Philadelphia, and others. Obed. M. Coleman,
of Philadelphia, patented the Aeolian attachment to the piano in 1844,
which was the subject of another patent by C. Hirst, of New Orleans,
in the following year. Moses Ooburn, in 184t, patented a method of
combining metadio reeds with piano fortes. In free reed instruments
the principal improvements in this period were made by Jeremiah Cai
hart, of Buffalo, New York, who m 1846 patented improvements m
the bellows for seraphines, and otherwise eontiibuted to the piesent per
fection of the Melodeon. Seraphines weie pitented by Luthrr Tiacy,
of Concord, New Hampshire, in ls48 The pimtmg piess was im-
proved in 1840 by Stephen P. Ruggles of Boston and in 1842 by
Richard M. Hoe, of New York, who patented in that year impiove
ments in single and double cylinder pie'f=es the lattei conta u ng all
known improvements, with some new ones wheieby six thousand
impressions hourly could be obtamed bubsequent improvements
patented by Hoe in 1845 and 1847 including the first successful attach
ment of the type to the cylinder and impro^ ements in mking appaiatus
increased the capacity of the four cylinder press with revolving type to
ten thousand impressions per hour, from which it has been since raised
to fifteen thousand and twenty thousand hourly from the ten cylinder
lightning press. Useful modifications of the printing-press were also
patented in 1844 by Seth Adams, of Boston, whose hand-press for
,y Google
as PRINTING-PRESSES—HUKGICAL AND MEDICAt INSTSUMENTS.
fine work is Btill used, and in 1846 by Isaiah Adams, of BoatoD, and
by A. B. Tyler, of New York. Several improvements in easting type
were patented by the Messrs. Bruce, of New York, and others. Im-
provements in taking and finishing Daguerreotype pictures were
pateDted in 18i6 by F. Langenheim, of Philadolphia, as the assignee
of J. B. Isenring, of Switzerland, and by W. A. Pratt, of Alexandria,
Virginia, and in 1849, by John A. "Whipple, of Boston.
XV. In Surgical and Medical Instruments, etc., the most valuable
improvements were those made in dental surgery, especially in the
composition and manufacture of artificial teeth, including a mode of
obtaining casts from teeth and gums, patented by Daniel T. Evans, of
Philadelphia, in ISiO ; the improvements of E. F. Palmer, now of
Philadelphia, in the manufacture of Artificial legs, patented in ISU
and 1849 ; improvements in surgical apparatus for fractured ankles,
by George Yerger, of Philadelphia, in 1849; and finally, that which
may be regarded as the crowning surgical invention of the age, namel.v,
the alleviation of pain during surgical operations by the inhalatibn of
the vapor of Bulpburic ether, patented in 184G by Charles T. Jaclsson,
of Boston, and William T. G. Morton, his assignee,
Under the tariff of 1842, which was in operation from June, 1843, to
Juno, 184Y, a rapid revival and extension of domestic manufactures,
which at the date of its passage were generally depressed, was once
more perceptibla Although frequent changes in the revenue system,
and especially the fluctuations incident to the ad valorem valtiatiou
previously in use, were almost as nnfavorable to the manufacturer as the
most injurious competition, yet capital and labor speedily accommo-
dated themselves to the change, and activity took the place of general
inertia. Cotton and woolen mills were again put in operation, new
ones were built and old ones were enlarged. Furnaces, forges, and
rolling-mills rekindled their fires and were everywhere multiplied, and
were yet unable to supply the demand for iron. Uailroads and other
internal improvements were pushed with unprecedented vigor. Emi-
gration flowed in from abroad, and instead of swelling the volume of
agricultural products, for which a sale could only be found in foreign
markets at prices which barely paid the freight and charges, found abun-
dant employment at remunerative and greatly increased wages in the
mining and industrial establishments of the country, creating a home
market for the farmer at hia own door. Invention was stimulated, and
by new processes and instruments added much to the productive forces
of the country. The production of Iron, which, in 1842, when many of
the furnaces were closed, had fallen to less than 230,000 tons annually.
,y Google
GENERAL SUMMARY 1840-1850. 449
was estimated by the Seerotary of the Treasury ia 18i6 at ^65,000 tons,
having trebled in three years. In 1847 it was supposed to hare reached
800,000 tons, and although in the next year, with another ehanj^e in
the financial policy of the government, the production became station-
ary, and in the next fell off to 650,000 tons, yet Pennsylvania alone, at
the close of the decade produced as much iron as France moiethan
Russia and feneden together and more than all Cerm^uy united.
Within tliosf ten years the cost of its productioa hid been reduced
nearly fifty per cent aad the price of many articlcb of jroa manulac-
ture, as cut naih had beea reduced m neulv equal pioportion Yet
such was the activity of all branches of industij and the mciea^ed
power of consumption that at the penod of maximum pioduetion the
domeBtic supply was insufficient and upward of 50 OOO tins of pig
and bar-iron weie imported from abroad exclusive of wiou^ht iioa
chains, hardware, cutleiv steel etc , which swelled the amount to nearly
100,000 tons.
The production and coniumption of mineral Coal, which is the pabu-
lum of so many forms of mdustry was increased from 1,312,000 tons
of domestic Anthracite and ^o 000 tons of foreign coal in 1843 to
3,200,000 tons of Antiiiac te and 148,000 tons of foreign coal io 1841,
the greatly inoreaacd home supply being yet inadequate to the demaad.
The consumption of cotton by Northern manufacturers increased from
about 325,000 bales in 1843 to 531,000 bales in 1848 ; while the cotton
pioducmg States whii-h manufactuied out little in the formei yeai con
fiumed m the lastjcii abcut T5 000 biles, an increase of eighty sis
per cent wh ie the ^alue of foreign cotton nianufdcture=i which the
countiy lias alle to pui chase m the aamo time was nearly doubled
The consumption of domestic and foreign v. ool in home minufaelures
was augmented in the aime time from fiftv fiie and t half million to
eighty one and a qnartfi million pounds while the value of \voolleii3
impoited was duplicated in like mannei In addition to the amount
of capital iniestfd in those and other nianufactuies thioughout the
countiy large amounts were expended m increasing the machineiy of
transporting for inland and miutime trade The total number of ves
sels built in the United States in 1842 numbeied 1,021, of the aggregate
tonnage of 129,084 tons. In 1848 the whole number built was 1,851,
and their total tonnage was 318,015 tons, an increase of one hundred
and forty-five per cent, in six years. In the steamboat and lake tonnage
of the Western and Northwestern States the advance was equally
apparent. Thus the lalte tonnage, which from 1834 to 1841 had only
risen from 28,521 tons to 56,253 tons, reached, in 1846, 106,836, and
in 1848, 160,400 tons. The steamboat tonnage of the Western rivers
,y Google
450 HAIIBOADS — SOUTHERN MANUFACTORIES.
amounting, in 1842, to 126,278 tons, was almost doubled in the Eexl
four years; reaching, in 1846, two hundred and forty-nine thousand
and fifty-five tons.
In Kaih-oad enterprise the progress was equally conspicuous, and
was only exceeded by that of Great Britain, in which, daring a portion
of these years, railroad extension amounted to a mania. The total
length of railroads in operation in the United States in ISiO was 2,380
miles, constructed (in the previous thirteen years) at a total cost of
$69,700,000. In 1847 the entire length of railways in operation was
4,249 miles, and the cost of the same amounted to $123,500,000. At the
close of 1849 there were in operation in the United States more than 7,000
miles of railroad, and the cost of construction exceeded $300,000,000.
Tho number of miles built in the last five years was 3,309, of which
1,200 miles were constructed in 1849, and the total length of railroids m
the United States was more than one third of the entiie length of luch
roads in Europe and America. Notwithstanding the large amounts of
capital thus annually invested in railroads, steamboats and othei
improvements, bringing the producer and the consumer into closer
proximity and thus advaneiDg the interests of both even ibp planting
and farming States may be said to have rapidly increased and di\ ersiGed
their industry by introducing and extending their minulactares
In most of the Southern States manufacturing villages weie springing
up, and cotton yarn and coarse cotton goods, as welJ a? cut niij^ and
some other wares made in the South, found a ready market in Noithern
cities. Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina contained
ninety-two cotton-mills, running 136,220 spindles, and consuming 6 000
bales of cotton. The whole number of cotton milh south of Mason and
Dixon's line ia 1848 was said to be upward of two hundred and flfn
and their total consumption of cotton 150,000 bales The Western
States in like manner were rapidly extending their manufactures of
machinery, iron wares, furniture for the cotton and sugar giowing
States and the distant West, as well as that of cottons, woollens, bagging,
soap and candles, lard and linseed oils, starch, w hite lead, buckcti tubs
brooms, and other small manufactures to a vast aggregate amount
Of the progress of the older manufacturing States during a portion of
this period some indication is furnished by the state censuses of Massa-
cbusetl^ and New York — the two leading producers—taken in 1845,
The aggregate amount of capital invested in manufactures in Massa-
chusetts, as returned by the National census of ISiO, was $41,774,446.
As reported by tho Secretary of the Commonwealth ia 1845 it was
$59,145,767, an increase of upward of forty-one per cent, in five years.
The whole number of hands employed was 152,766, and the value of
,y Google
MANUPACTTJEBS 1840-1850. 451
the pi-oduet, exclusive of all agricultural products, except wool, flour,
and raw eilk, was upward of one hundred millions of dollars. The lead-
ing articles of production were, boots and shoes, $14,799,140 ; cotton
goods of all kinds, including bleaching and coloring, of which more than
one quarter was in calicoes, $19,089,266; woollen goods of all kinds
$S,877,478; whale fishing, $10,371,167; leather, $3,836,657 ; iron and
nails made in rolling, slitting, and nail mills, $2,138,300; macliinory,
$3,033,648; oil and sperm candles, $3,613 796 , papei $1750 27^, ind
straw bonnets, hats, and braid, $1,649,496
In New York the value of the product of twenty separate tranche',
of manufacture returned by 14,966 establishments durmg the same
year, was in total $68,969,713, whereof the pioducts of flour and gnst
mills amounted to $22,794,474 ; of saw-mills to $7 677 164 , of iion
works to $8,402,586 ; of tanneries to $6,585,006 ; of woollen factories
(4,916,998 yards) to $4,281,357 ; of cotton factories (31,334,633 yards)
to $3,877,600 ; of distilleries $4,222,154 ; of dyeing and printing
establishments to $2,086,986; of oil mills to $1,695,025; of carding
mills to $1,678,320; of fulling-aiills to $1,660,881; and of breweries
to $1,313,273, The otter branches, as those of glagg, ropo, eLain cable,
oil-cloth, and paper, each yielded less than one million of dollars in
value.
The manufacturing enterprise of New York was promoted by a
general law of the State, enacted in February, 1848, to "authorize the
promotion of corporations for manufacturing, mining, mechanical, or
chemical purposes," and during the next seven years that State ad-
vanced to the foremost rank in the Union in the extent and value of
her manufactures.
The legislature of Pennsylvania, in April of the following year, also
enacted a general manufacturing law to encourage manufacturing oper-
ations in the commonwealth. The laws of the two States agreed, among
other things, in making the stockholders severally and individually liable
to the amount of stock held by them ia the company so incorporated.
This prosperous condition of the national industry, notwithstanding
its inherent vitality and resilience under depressing influences, suffered
in many departments a serious check by the change of tariff in 1846,
and at the close of these ten years, many branches of manufacture, in
consequence of heavy importations from abroad, were prostrated from
inability to find a market and accumulated stocks on hand.
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CHAPTER VIL
THE MANTJFACTtJKEa OF THE UNITED STATKa
An English writer lias observed that the history of British Manufac-
tures furnishes abundant ground for astonishment ; but that of American
Manufactures is much more maryellous.
In 1850, the Federal Government for the lirst time attempted to
ascertain, nith an approach to accuracy, the exact development of the
Productive industry of the country, not counting any establishment that
did not produce five hundred dollars per year ; and the astounding fact
was revealed that the capital invested in Manufaotures exceeded five
hundred and fifty millions of dollars, and that the annual product had
reached ten hundred and nineteen milUons of dollars. Eighty-six per
cent, of this vast amount was made in fifteen States, leaving to the other
twenty-one States and Territories only fourteen per cent, of the total
production. New York held the first position as a seat of manufactures,
having made tn enty-three per cent, of the whole ; Massachusetts and
Pennsylvania were next in rank, having made fifteen per cent. ; Con-
necticut, five per cent. ; New Jersey, four per cent. ; Maryland and
Virginia, three per cent. ; Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Missonri,
Maine, and Kentucky over two per cent each Only one manufactur-
ing interest at th 1 1 ra p d
d h d d m 11 f dollars
annually, viz fl 1
I n — 1 t, d 1 cotton,
and lumber— m t d t
fifty m 11 f 1 11 wl I lothing,
machinery, le th d 1
hU d tl mi 1 m t f tl tl i-d class,
producing betw tw ty fl
i fifty mil fdll Tlemanu-
faetures were d t b t d g
llv g tl St t —none we
believe eonfin 1 I ly t
y — th f,h Mastach tts made
eighty-five pe t f th b
d t w ! f ty xiercent,-
of the boots d 1 I
th 1 t tl tt C nectiout
made one-thirl t th 1 1
1 1 g 1 1 ty r cent, of
4bi
i.Google
MANUrACTURES IN 1850. 453
tbe India ml berj, d P jl p 1 I ghty i t f th
coal one half tli h y th 1 f th 1 t tl d f tb
perfumeij Dela p d d f th f th g n } Rh d
Island forty PC. t f th I V m t tf 'm i p t
of the scales N rth C 1 ty j t f th t j t
Ohio s.xty per t f tl I 1 ] M th f th f th
castor 0,1 .nd W i. If th 1 1 Th f 11 g t bl
published IK 1858 by th Sp t d t f th C tl A m
festyi^paifeaad m ft It 1 th b f h b t
that we have of tl b f t bl i t p t 1 t d mb
of hands employ d d I f i 1 t — f t —
GlNEBAT SUMMAKI OP MANlrFAOrTIRES I\ THE UnITEI StATES
DTJEINO THE TeAR E\DINy JuNE I 1S50
Agn alturaJ irapl m ute
tB 842,611
146,121}
uitm
leois^sBt
SrilaiuilB and plat d
CablDBtiran
Onlicofirlntsn
Cmil machlDBS
Ostd plsying
Carpffliten And 1 d
CAT]>Btfl
Carp t-weBTlBg
Oar rsflroatr
13a-flia
S92isa
314,995
84,100
893000
7303 368
2U2692
3066,ai6
1 4T+,0S3
43«,1<14
1,063 741
626 «3
1 573 679
964359
3493,668
,y Google
MANUPA0TUKE8 IN 1850.
Copper and braas
Cattoiu
CC^Uons and wo lens mi?
l,utlerj and e^ga toola
DaguetreotjpiBlB
UlaUUerlDS
DIstllletiea rectlfyii^
raents
Caital
rtal
hauJs
hsods
Iroduc
8,B17 6M
asm
848,264
306
1,016 850
S83
lOMBBI
1M1824
1888
346
1TB
2^981
S,0ei601
2S88
s
4,942901
1074
70032^78
S7nS064
32,05
E2,eoi
66 601,687
lJlI,!iO
8,321 BRa
2 321,906
71
89936
640^34
16 7703)
BBJaW
658462
791030
3.
+00
754,319
434
28
1086m
iia.
"v^
17J0u
433
47
666,006
10,500
17430
162,Y<I0
116,2«T
2M230
i*r
8 662,403
71,617
20 814
421
10066163
^ t™
47
Gold
lOlB
Onna 317
Hardware S40
Hos aty 36
34
IntanaiBinp-blaok 3
lion (b ndilea
1,8I»
Iroa numnJactn
.^
»
Iron roUing 66
Lomptlaot 5
Inatlier-JjeltiDg 4
LaumoUves S
619960
1,814,012
8,634,024 1898
14,810 864
1028102
8024,336
£13643
,y Google
I^omfarnihhera
jn=^i,U
UHchlulslB & mUlvrlgbtB..
H,83S
. 1,16a
, OT
Min,r^w*tBra.,lp.p
■ «*
Flotlessnd preaorvas.
Pork and beaf.iiacklne . -
PrintMaBnapiibllsliBra....
^^
PrrotechDisls
'
Baddies and Hacnen
a,si5 —
Salt &Ld sKlt-rEflning
"«
Shlp-lmlldlos and bDate....
. m
Slftto-penclls
■ s
S'"'-"" 8
letsno...,
410,140,...
eus.is.'i....
5 4h9S4,223,...
3fl,S79 4,437,008....- 12,508,
36,40J: 13,023
Ma,stio vao,«i...,
I ^z
8,712
S5,ooo
* 402....
,. 58,830,966
.. 27,993,344
.. 471,033
' =«■■■■
. 4S7.833
3... . 134,-
1 3,688.,.,
.. 2,78l,W»
0 , .., 19...,
.. 7B0,489
6 10..,.
31,200
... 3.861,89.1
7 3!...,
... 2,889,710
i 11....
.. 1,017,680
r 2„.
.. I,fl48.9»l
.. 7,8iiS,980
S 2.,..
.. l,SiS,994
r "0,...
.. l,36S,SCM)
■i 63,..,
.. 3Mi,3OT
9 207..,.
., 297,5311
, 428,914
7 3...,
,. 3,343.607
" ^■■■■
.- 1,466,063
... i.m.m
1 1S4
■'17,300
' 1,37»..,.
.. ii,n3e,M3
i 24..,,
20,900
s w....
.. 62,8M
I jgj'"
... 9,93,1,474
... 1, 854,803
a 87....
S 49....
.. a,277.oei
... 35S,B05
.. 1,209.«8
... 989,ti»;
... 13,808. S&.1
1 16....
73,918
... 98a,wo
48,700
e 20...
IS.OOO
- 2M,40a
a"Z 138,,,.
'333.900
,.. 433,704
i.Google
MANUFACTURES I
SI
Tmbom nod mrriBTs..
mnaiia>fi«u™woi
.'fea..
H,M8
2,280
1.41S
I'raaka and carpst-bag
T„,^,b™e.oai,or
a
TypetBlereolypafonn
d's,
«
'=*
Willis and Jockstniths
Wire bdJ wire-worken
WlliliDg „....
Wnolcleinei^s ana pull,
tE
Wool carders
«30
4,032,183....
... 2,470,780
3,179,470 ...
.. 2.913,943
2,689,M[)....
., 7,662,685
an,8oti....
75.300
20,602,945....
.. as, 865,^3
4,1S9,6S7....
.. 4,3O0,38»
ae,iM....
Sl,400.__.
B,M8,SBJ....
.. 7.3*1,728
883,616,..,
. M7,043
3,500....
4,280
17,800,...
16,007
3o,son.,..
.. 06.S80
- 1,4H31B
613,700
. 298,912
.. 1,309,607
.. 983.901
49,flD0....
■■ 02,333
,. 2Hi80
85,100
.. S3.1,88j
■ 1.886,501
IBS, 895
237,648
144,082
. 110,153
6,000
. 27.125
330,163
738,925
. 1,231,030
.. S.33,400
... 37,702,833
... 8,633,188
.. ], 358,888
... '1,374,149
1S.80O
07,000
.. ■ 111,880
.. 2,850.337
,. 813.200
.. 2,300.622
.. 310,109
.. 413.000
.. e.242,213
"""■■«* 123.0M....«33,2i-|,331....!l356,12S,8S3. 731,137 2K,922. .11,019,106.61 6
Vast as this production ia, we find, ten years later, an increase of more
than eighij-six percent. The total valae of the manufactaiea of the
United States for the year ending June 1, 1860, as already ascertained
in part and carefolly estimated for the remainder, will reach an aggre-
gate value of hineteen hundred millions of dollars; and if to this
amount was added the very large amount of mechanical productions
below the annual value of five hundred dollars,.— of which no official
cognizance is taken, — the result would indeed be one of startling mag-
nitude.
To produce this large aggi-egate it is stated that one million one Iiun-
dred thousand men and two hundred and eighty-five thousand women
were furnished employment, or in all one million three hundred and
eighty-five thousand persons. Each of these on an average maintained
two and a half other individuals, making the whole number of persons
,y Google
MANUFACrVRES IN 1860. ^^^j
suppurtelbi anu&ctuefou 11 o e 1 1 hundre I an I forty smn
tloubaud five hunl d o ea ly o «sxtl of He h le populat on
Th s was eici s ve of tl e umber e gaged m the pru lu t on of many
of the iw mate ali an 1 of f o 1 fo the manulacture s n the d str
bnt on of the ] o lucts s h as n er ba ts cle ks d ymen mar ners
the emplojees of I loads expresses and steamboats of cap til sts
var OQB 1 t Bt c an 1 p ofesa o ml cla se-i as well ns ca pente s 1 eklayers
pa nters a d the members of other mecl ^n cal trades not Ias!,ed as
n^nuf ctn e s It & safe to assume tl e that one th rd of the «liole
I I aUt on s [ported d ectly aud ml e tly by ma ufaetu ng n
lustry Ih se gene al facts tberefo e pla nly i»d cate that n po nt
Of podactye ralne and fa each n^ md str al mil en es alone oar
mannfq t re^ are ect tied to i f ont rank i o g tl e g eit nte e ts of
tbt. countiy.
MANUPAGTTJEES IN 1860.
It is a gratifying fact, shown by the official Etatisties, that wh le onr
older communities ha^e greatly extended their manufactures, t! e j uDge
and more purely agricnltural States, and even the newest T to es
have also made rapid progress. Nor has this departmeut of Am
industry been cultivated at the expense of any other. Ther m h
reason to believe that it affords the safest guarantee of the p nanen y
and success of every other branch. Evidence bearing upon tl po nt
IS found in the manufacture of agricnltural machines and impi m t
which is one of the branches that shows the largest increase in tl e pe d
under review. There is little doubt that the province of manufact s
and invention in this case has been rather to create than to foil w the
demand. The promptness of Americans to adopt labor-sav ng appl
ances, and the vast areas devoted to grain and other staples in the United
States, have developed the mechanics of agriculture to an extent and
perfection elsewhere unequalled. The adoption of machinery to the
extent now common in farm and plantation labor furnishes the best
assurance that the development of agriculture or manufactures to their
utmost can never again justify the old charge of antagonism between
them in regard to labor, or injuriously affect either by materially modi-
fying its cost or supply.
AGRiom,TUBAT. IMPLEMENTS— The total valuo of agricultural imple-
ments made in 18G0 was fl7,802,5U, being an increase of 160.1 per
,y Google
458 AaRIOULTURAL
cent, upon the total value of the same branch in 1850, when it amounted
to the sum of $6,842,611. In New England, where this hraneh of man-
ufactures is less extensive than formerly, the total value was less than
two millions, the increase being only ahout sixteen per cent. la the
Middle States, this manufacture increased at the rate of 134 per cent.,
and amounted in value to upward of five and three quarter millions of
dollars, of which the State of New York produced upward of one and
a quarter millions in three hundred and thirty-three establishments.
In the Western States the increase was quite extraordinary, their pro-
dnet amounting to $8,101,194, or nearly one half of the total value made
in the TTnion. The increment in this section alone was nearly equal to
the total value manufactured in the United States in 1850, and was in
the ratio of 352.5 per cent. The States of Ohio and Illinois together
produced a greater value thaa any other two States of the Union, the
increase in them being 405.5 and 312.2 per cent, vespeetively. A single
county in Ohio (Stark) from fifteec factories turned out a value of
$904,480, of which $399,000 was the value of mowers and reapers made
by one establishment ; while another establishment in Chicago made
4,131 reapers and mowers, worth $414,000. The value repoi-ted from the
Southern States was a little over one million, exclusive of cotton-gins,
an increase of nearly thirty per cent, though several States decreased
their production of agricultural implements.
If to the foregoing be added the sum of 12,191,629 as the value of
shovels, spades, forks, hoes, and scythes, made chiefly in New England
and the Middle States, and $1,152,315 as the value of cotton-gins, made
principally in the Southern States, we have an aggregate of $20,831,904
as the annual value of implements and machinery manufactured for the
i^ricuitural classes, exclusive of wagons, carts, wheelbarrows, and
various articles of hardware, cutlery, etc., not included in the braaehcs
enumerated.
Iron and its Manupaotoree. — The amount of Iron Ore mined in
the United States in 1860 was 3,218,215 tons, valued at $2,182,661,
an increased value of seventy-nine per cent, in teu years. Ninety-
seven bbomary forges made 51,290 tons of blooms, valued at $2,623,178,
an average of $51.14 per ton ; upward of one half being the product of
fifty-seven forges in Pennsylvania.
The quantity of Pig-iron made in two hundred and eighty-six
furnaces, from 2,309,915 tons of ore, was 981,559 tons, valued at
$20,810,120, or $21.13 per ton ; showing an increase in the total value
of fifty-four per cent, over the product in 1850. This branch of the
iron manufacture employed a capital of upward of twenty-four and three
,y Google
STATK OF MAKUPAOnmES IN 1860. 459
quarter millions, aTid nearly aixtceo thousand persons. Of ti e t t 1
product, four of the Middle States returned more than foi t a 1 a
half millions in value, and Pennsylvania alone upward of el n and a
quarter millions, or more than one half of the total yield of j n
The Western States made returns of nearly four and a h If m 1! n
worth of pig-iron, of which Ohio produced over two and a half m 11 n
worth, heing the second in tho TJnion in the extent of its ir n 1 n s
In most of the Western States the increase was large, but in all 1 ut ne
of the Southern a decrease was found. In the manufacture of Bar,
Sheet, and Railroad Iron, two hundred and fifty-six estahlishmenta,
employing a capital of nearly twenty millions of dollars, and upward of
nineteen thousand Lands, produced from 656,803 tons of blooms, pig,
and other iron ore, 509,084 tons of iron, worth $31,888,105, which was
an increase of about one hundred per cent. Of the total amount,
327,682 tons were bar-iron and 235,10T railway iron ; the balance being
boiler and nail, plate, sheet, and other articles, as nails, spikes, rivets,
anchors, machinery, etc. The average price was $62,11 per ton. la
this, as in other branches of the iron manufacture Pennsylvania was
the largest producer, having made 266,253 tons, valued at upwaid of
fifteen millions of dollars, or one hundred and six pei cent moie than in
1850. Ohio was the next in the value of rolled iron and augmented
her manufacture one hundred and seventy-throe per cent , while Massa-
chusetts, which produced a somewhat greater number of toni, showed
an increase of two. hundred and seventy-seven per cent on the product
of 1850. Maine, Delaware, all showed a large percentage of increase,
while Michigan and Illinois, which returned none in 1850, each pro-
duced upward of half a millions' worth. Sixteen wire mills returned a
value of upward of one and a half million dollars, and fifty-six iroa
forging establishments, including twelve anchor works, eleven axle
shops, and one iron shafting factory, returned somewhat less than two
millions as the value of forged work. Seventeen car wheel factories,
ehieiy in the Middle States, reported an aggregate of more than two
million dollars' worth of car wheels made, Pennsylvania and Delaware
producing upward of one half of tbo whole.
Iron Castings of ail kinds were manufactured in fourteen hundred
and twelve establishments, to the annual value of $36,132,033, whereof
twenty millions was the value of castings of a general character, made
by nine hundred and fifty-five establishments, chiefly in the Middle and
Western States, and giving employment to upward of fifteen thousand
hands. The product of these foundries, more than one balf of which
was made in the United States, was nearly equal to the total value
made in 1850. No less than two hundred and ninety stove and hollow-
ly GoOglc
460 MACniNER Y — HARDWARE — SI^BL — CUTLERY.
ware foundries were reported, producing an annual value of $IO,'lOO,000.
I'he balance of the product oonsisted of hot-air furnaces, ranges, etc,
car wheels, iron railing, and malleable iron castings, the last branch
employing twenty- six foundries, producing a value of $930,800.
The manufacture of Machinery, Steam Engines, etc,, exclusive of
various Itinds of special machinery, employed eleven hundred and
seventy-three establishments, with a total capital of thirty-three and a
quarter millions of dollars and upward of thirty-seven thousand persons,
the product of whose labor was a value of forty-six and a, half millions
of dollars, an increase of sixty-six and a half per centum. The manu-
faeture of cotton, woollen, paper, and other special machinery, including
machinists' tools, engaged two hundred and twenty-six establishments,
producing an annual value of five and throe quarter miHions.
Kineteen Locomotive Sbops, built in the year about four hundred
and seventy engines, valued at nearly five millions of dollars, moro than
three fifths of which was the product of six factories in New Jersey and
Pennsylvania,
Sewing Machines, of which there were few manufactories in 1850,
were made in seventy-four establishments to the nnmber of 111,263, of
which the value was four and a quarter millions, the larger part being
in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Tork ; although thoy were
produced to some extent in twelve States.
Fire-arms to the value of upward of two and a quarter millions were
made by two hundred and sixty-nine establishments, nine of which, ia
the State of Connecticut, turned out more than ono half the total value.
The Hardware factories numbered four hundred and forty-three, scat-
tered throughout nineteen States, They employed upward of ten
thousand hands, and the value of the manufacture was nearlv eleven
millions an increase of 56.T per cent, in ten years. Of the total pro-
duct upward of seven and a quarter millions was the valuo made by
two hundred and four establishments in New England, and over three
and a qu'iiter by two hnndred and nine in the Middle States.
The number of Steel furnaces was thirteen. They manufactured
11,858 tons ot bteel valued at $1,^8,240, of which sum $1,358,200 was
the product of nine furnaces in Pennsylvania, which made 9,890 tons.
The total product was tenfold the value made in 1860, and the average
valuo returned was |150 per ton.
The various manufactures of Steel, such as cutlery, axes, and other
edge tools, carpenters' and other mechanics' tools, springs, saws, steel
wire, etc., together gave employment to three hundred and eighty-two
manufactories, upward of five and three quarter millions of capital, and
more than seven thousand hands, the value of whoso product was up-
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STATE OF MANUFACTVEES IN 1860. 461
ward of nine millions annually. Cutlery, axes, artisans' tools, car and
carriage springs, and wire, were principally made in New England, and
saws, in New York and Pennsylvania. The value of nails and epibes
made by nioety-nine faetorieSj wa^ upward of nine and three quarter
millions, an increase of 28.6 per cent. Forty-four nail works in two
New England States prodnced upward of three and one half millions
—thirty-eight ia four Middle States, nearly four and one half millions ;
and one in Virgiaia, nearly one and one quarter millions in value.
The value of bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, etc., made in fifty-four
establishments, was upward of two millions ; and of scales and balances
in twenty-two manufactories upward of $359,000.
Including upward of sixteen millions as the anuuaJ value of blaclt-
smithing done, the several branches of the iron manufacture above
enumerated make an aggregate annual product of nearly two hundred
and six millions of dollars, which was exclusive of the value of iron
work employed in the manufacture of Agricultural Implements, and in
various other ways not included in the foregoing.
This large aggregate of the production and ultimate manufactures of
a single raw material, constituting the basis of nearly every other form
of productive industry, is at once an indication of marvellous progress
in the past, and of almost unlimited poaaibilitiea in the future, Tho
average product of blooms and pig-iron made from the ore was nearly
seventy-four pounds per capita for each one of the total population, and
the value of bar and other rolled iron made, averaged about one dollar
each ; while the average per capita of the total product of iron and its
manufactures, was upward of six and a half dollars each. In view of
the wide diffusion, exhaustless abundance, and cheapness of iron ores,
coal, and other fuel of the best quality, of water power, and of improved
mechanism and processes already in use and being constantly intro-
duced, and of the wide circle of important interests to which it is inti-
mately related, tho judicious encouragement of this branch of national
industry would appear to be in the highest degree desirable, and tho
early independence of the country by no means improbable. The rapid
development of the iron manufacture in several of the Western States,
taken in connexion with the vast deposits of rich ore in Ohio, Western
Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and the Lake Superior region
of Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, is a subject of the profoundest
interest to the increasing population of the great grain-growing regions
of the West, to whom a market is thus opened at their doors for their
surplus crops, now burthened with the cost of transportation thousands
of miles to the distant and uncertain markets of Europe, Their lands,
whether agricultural or mineral, are at tha same time enhanced iu value
,y Google
462 IRON— COAL — FETKOLEUM.
by tbe establishment in t!)eii- midst of mines, furnaces, forges, rolling-
milla, and foundries, of locomotive and machine shops, and other facto-
ries that follow in the track of this great ogent of civilization and pro-
gress; while the cost of hardware, implements, and machinery, is
cheapened, and the number of railroads, bridges, canals, and other
improvements increased.
Coal. — With the suhject of Iron and its manufactures, that of fossil
fuel naturally associates itself. The unequalled wealth, and the vapid ■
development of the coal fields of the tToited States, as a dynamic ele-
ment in our industrial progress, affords one of the most striking evi-
dences of our recent advance. The product of all the coal mines of
the Uiiited States, in 1850, was valued at $T, 173,750, which was the
yield of five hundred and tea mining establishments in twelve States,
of which upward of seveuty-tiiree per cent, represented the value of
the Anthracite trade of Pennsylvania. In 1860, returns were made by
six hundred and twenty-two establishments in sixteen States, which
employed upward of thirty-six thousand persons, and produced
(5,218,080 tons of bituminous and 8,115,842 tons of anthracite eoal,
valued at $20,243,637, showing the increase to have been in the ratio
of one huudred and eighty two pei tent over the yield in 1850, The
increase of capital devoted to t,oaI mining was in the same time two
hundred and fifty-three per rentum the increment alone amounting
to upward of twenty-one millions The average cost of bituminous
eoal at the mines was $1,34 and of anthiicite, $1,46 per ton. All but
one thousand tons of tbe Anthiacite and 2,690,786 tons of bituminous
coal were retumed by Pennsylvania which contained three hundred
and ten mining establishments and mcreased its product about one
hundred and eighty per cent. Ohio and Illinois ranked next in the
value of coal mined.
A similar development took place between 1850 and 1860 in the
mining of gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, and other
metallic and mineral treasures, which were the repositories of crude
materials for an immeuse and varied industry in the metalhirgic and
chemical arts. The production of the firat two — which, as the mediums
of exchange, also became the quiekeoers of foreign commerce was
principally confined to California, producing a corresponding decrease
in the yield of the Atlantic States, and doubtless checking, in some
degree, the mining of coal and of the baser metals in the latter region.
Petkoleum. — An important development of the natural resources
of the country, and a valuable addition to its exports, was made in the
,y Google
STATE OF MANUFACTUKES JN 18G0. 463
last two or three years of this decade, by the discovery that certain
indications — known to the aboriginal and early European inhabitants
of the Western countiy— of inflammable oil existing upon the head
waters of the Alleghany river, in New York and Pennsylvania, and
somewhat later, in Ohio andWestern Virginia, were but the clue to
apparently inexhaustible supplies of native oil, accessible at no great
depth throughout an extended belt of country, embracing the bitu-
minous coal measures of several States.
This remarkable substance has long been known and collected from
natural oil fountains and borings in Burmah and other parts of Asia.
As a product of our own country, it was brought to the notice of the
white population as early as the middle of the last century, by the
Seneca Indians, who found it upon Oil creok, a branch of the Alle-
ghany, in Venango county, Penasylvania, and near the head of tho
Genesee river, in New York, whence it received the names of " Seneca
oil" and " Genesee oil." It was used by the natives in their religious
ceremonies, and as a medicament for wounds, bruises, etc. For the
last named purpose it has long been collected, and sold in small quan-
tities at a high price, and has entered into the composition of several
popular lotions for rheumatism, etc. But its existenco in any vast
amount appears to have been unknown until 1845, when oil was ob-
tained while boring for salt near Tai-entum, thirty-five miles above
Pittsburgh, on the Alleghany, where two springs continued for some
years to yield small quantities, sometimes a barrel a day. Experiments
having proved its constituents to be nearly tho same as those of oil
obtained by the destructive distillation of coal, the Upper Spring and
mineral rights were purchased, in 1854, by parties in New York, where
companies were also formed to search for oil, and also to attempt its
purification by the same process applied to the artificial oils. But little
was effected until 1857, when Messrs. Bowditch and Drake, of New
Haven, commenced operations at Titusville, on Oil creet. In August,
1859, they reached, by boring, at the depth of seventy-one feet, a
fountain, which, with a small pump, yielded four hundred, and, with a
larger one, one thousand gallons daily. Before the close of the year
ISeO, the number of wells and borings was estimated to be about two
thousand, of which seventy-four of the larger ones were producing
daily, by the aid of pumps, an aggregate of eloven hundred and sixty-
five barrels of crude Petroleum, worth, at twenty cents a gallon, about
$10,000, Wells were soon after sunk to tho depth of five hundred or
six hundred feet, and the flow of Petroleum became so profuse that no
lees than three thousand barrels were obtained in a day from a single
well ; the less productive ones yielding from fifteen to twenty barrels
,y Google
4Si
PEtTlOLETIM — COTTON MANUFACTURE S,
per diem. In several instances, extraordiaary means were found neces-
sary to check and control the flow, which has since been regulated by
strong tubing and stopcocks. The quantity sent to market by one
railroad from the Pennsylvania oil region increased from three hundred
and twenty-five barrels, in 1859, to one hundred and thirty-four thou-
sand nine hundred and twenty-seven barrels !n 1861, in which year the
whole quantity shipped was nearly half a million barrels. The product
has since rapidly increased. Previous to May, 1863, at least twenty-
five establishments for refining Petroleum had been built or converted
to that use from manufactories of coal oil. The subsequent growth of
the Petroleum trade, which has its ramifications in nearly every Western
State, including those on the Pacific, is one of the marvels of the cen-
tury. As an article of export, and as a raw material in a multiplicity
of uses ia the arts, the abundance of this native hydrocarbon renders it
one of the most valuable of the natural resources of the country.
Cotton Manufactukes. —Among the great branches of pare manu-
facture in the United States next to that of Iron in its collective values
that of Cotton Goods holds the first rank, both in respect to the yaliie
of the product and the amount of capital employed. Aided by the
possession of the raw material as a product of our own soil, and by the
enterprise and ingenuity of the people, this industry has grown with a
rapidity almost unrivalled. Its annual product in ISGO. was about one
sixteenth of the aggregate of all branches of industry, including the
large items of flour and meal, sawed and planed lumber, the fisheries,
coal, and the baser metals. It was an established industry in twenty-
nine States of the Union.
The aggregate value of Cotton Goods manufactured in the year
ending June 30, 1860, by one thousand and ninety-one establishments
was ni5,681,7T4, which was upward of fifty millions of dollars in
ezcess of the value returned in 1850, or an increase of 76.6 percent.
The aggregate capital invested was ninety-eight and a half millions of
dollars, and upward of one hundred and twenty thousand persons, of
whom more than seventy-five thousand were females, were employed
in tho business. The number of spindles reported was 5,935,T27 and
of looms, 126,313. Tho total weight of cotton consumed 'was
■(33,104,9T5 pounds. The number of yards of sheetings, shirtings, and
other cloths made— including 211,857,000 yards of print cloths— was
1,148,262,406. The manufactures, in addition, embraced 47,241,603
pounds of yarn, nearly thirteen million pounds of batting, and a large
amount of cotton cordage, seamless bags, quilts, coverlets, table-cloths,
netting, etc., etc. The average value of cotton goods, per capita, for
,y Google
STATE OF MANtTFAOTUBEa IN 1860. 465
the whole population was $3.60, and the average quantity of cloth,.per
capita, was thirty-sis and one fourth yards.
The principal increase took place in the New England and Middle
States. In the former, five hundred and seventy establishments pro-
duced a value of $19,359,900, an increase of 81.a4 per cent. ; and three
hundred and forty establishments in the Middle States reported a value
of $26,534,100, the increase being 19.52 per cent. In the Southern
States, the total value of Cotton Goods made by one hundred and fifty-
nine establishments was $8,145,061; and twenty-two factories .in the
Western States reported a value of $1,643,107, an increase in the
former of 43.10 and in the latter of twenty-nine per cent, I'he largest
production in any ono State was in Massachusetts, where two hundred
and seventeen factories reported a value of upward of thirty-eight mil-
lions. .New Hampshire with forty-four, and Pennsylvania with one
hundred and eighty-five estabiishments, were the next in estent, each
having turned out a value of over thirteen and a half millions of dol-
lars, in the rates respectively of 54.59 and 134,80 per cent, increase.
Rhode Island, with one hundred and fifty-three establish mo nts, exceeded
twelve millions of dollars, an increase of eighty-seven per ceot. Illi-
nois, Louisiana, Texas, and Utah, which made no returns in 1850,
reported an aggregate of over half a million dollars, chiefly produced
in Louisiana.
Woollen Manufactiihes. — Returns were made, in I860, from twelve
hundred and sixty establishments, producing woollen goods {exclusive
of worsted fabrics) to the value of $61,895,211 ; an increase of about
forty-two per cent, in ten years. The sets of machinery employed was
about 3,209, and the number of hands 41,360, of whom 16,519 were
females. The capital invested was nearly thirty-one millions of
dollars. The quantity of wool consumed was 83,608,468 pounds;
and of cotton, 15,200,061 pounds; from which were manufactured
124,891,862 yards of cloth, 6,401,206 pounds of yarn, 296,814 pairs
of blankets, 616,400 long and square shawls, besides table covers,
felted cloths, coverlets, etc. The cloths made included satinets, Ken-
tacky Jeans, and other cotton warp fabrics usually classed as woollens ;
and the total quantity was equivalent to nearly four yards to each
person in the United States.
The principal seat of the woollen manufacture is in New England,
where three hundred and ninety-eight establishments, many of them
of large size, employ upward of 25,000 persons, 1,664 sets of ma-
chinery, and an aggregate capital of eighteen and three quarter millions ;
producing woollens of the value of $40,668,498, or sixty-two per cent.
,y Google
more tLan in 1850, and wJtliin less tbati fLrpo millions of tbe total
product of all the States in that year. Tbe quantity of cloth made,
exclusive of yam, blankets, shawls, coverlets, etc., was upward of
eighty and a quarter million yards. Nearly thirty-five million yards
of cloth, and one third of all the yarn made in the Union, was the
product of one hundred and thirty-four establishments in Massa-
chusetts, having 821 sets of cards, and making an annual value of
$19,055,781— an increase of fifty-three per cent. Rhode Island and
Connecticut each produced between six and seven millions' worth of
woollens, the increase of the former being one hundred and seventy-sis
per cent,, and in the latter nearly thirty-nine per cent. The Middle
States, with 416 mills and 920 seta of cards, produced a total value of
$15,905,923, of which upward of eight millions was returned for
Pennsylvania, from 483 sets of machinery, and less than five millions,
from 324 sets of machinery, in tbe State of ITew York. In the former
State there was an increase of 45.5 per cent.; but tbe latter showed a
decline in tbe value of woollens made. The Middle States returned
more yarn and shawls than New England, but less than half the quan-
tity of cbth. From the Western States, returns were made of 4G6
sets of cards, and a total value of upward of three millions; and
149 sets of machinery in tbe Southern States made a value of nearly
two millions of woollens. Two factories, with ten sets of cards, in
Oregon and California, produced a value of $235,000.
Wool Carding and Ftjlling employed seven hundred and twelve
establishments, converting five and a quarter million pounds of wool
into nearly as many pounds of rolls, valued at $2,403,512.
The woollen manufacture, like that of cotton, is one of vast im-
portance to the whole country, and particularly to the agriculturist,
who furnishes the raw material. It derives increased importance from
the character of the climate, which renders woollen clothing necessary
throughout a large part of the tinion during much of the year, and
from the fact that the home market is always the most valuable to the
producer. Although sheep husbandry was much extended and im-
proved between 1850 and 1860, particularly in Ohio, Texas, Califoniia,
and other States, the wool clip of tho latter year, amounting to sixty
and a half million pounds, fell far short of the consumption — which
could probably be supplied by our own wool-growers, under a protec-
tive system in harmony with the interests of producer and consumer.
WoESTED Goods were made by two factories in Connecticut, and one
in Massachusetts, employing 110 sets of cards, and making 22,150,000
yards of delaines, cashmeres, etc., valued at $3,101,318.
,y Google
STATE OF MAKUFACTilHES IN 1860. 461
Linen Goods. — The manufacture of Lidoq goods liaa made but little
progress in this couQtry. As a bousebold industry, the manufactare
of flax is less extensive than formerly, its use having been in a great
meas«re superseded by that of cotton. Three mills in Massachusetts,
and seven in New York, together consumed, in 1860, nine hundred and
ninety-eight tons of flax and hemp, etc., and turned out linen fabrics
of the value of $699, 510, of which the Massachusetts mills converted
six hundred and ninety-five tons of flax, hemp, and cotton into
6,200,000 yards of crash, toweling, and other fabrics, valued at
$515,000, in addition fo some twine and shoe thread. The largest
'establishment was that of the American Linen Company, at Fall
River, which ran four thousand spindles and two hundred looms, by
steam power, making four million yards of crash, etc.
The production of flax fibre in the United States fell off between
1850 and 1860 in all tint two States, but has probably increased since
the commencement of the war, which has recalled attention to the
various chemical and mechanieal methods of adapting the flax stock
to the use of automatic maehiQery, after the manner of ootton. On
account of tlm limited demand, much of the flax fibre grown in the
Western States for the sake of the seed, has been thrown away as
valueless; but experiments now in progress give encouraging pros-
pects that it will ere long bo spun and woven as cheaply as cotton.
Silk, — This material is principally manufactured into sewing Bilk,
twist, silk fringes, coach lace, and other trimmings, and employed alto-
gether in 1860 about one hundred and thirty-nine establishments, produc-
ing a total value of npward of six and a half millionsof dollars. Including
tram, organzine, etc., the value of sewings made by forty-two estab-
lishments, in three New England and three Middle States, was three and
a half millions, and the quantity made was 409,429 pounds, of which
Connecticut made 145,135 pounds. Ladies' dress trimmings, fringes,
etc, employed ninety factories, chiefly in the cities of New York and
Philadelphia, producing $2,804,393 ; and six coach lace factories made
a value of $89,200. Dress silks, ribbons, and Other woven fabrics,
were made to a limited extent by one or two establishments,
Cakpets. — The manufacture of Carpets was increased in the last ten
years about 45.4 per cent. The returns showed a production, by two
hundred and thirteen establishments, of upward of thirteen and a
quarter million yards, of the total value of $1,851,636 ; of which Penn-
sylvania produced $3,110,092, and Massachusetts 82,358,218.
Menb' CiOTHiKG. — Including one manufactory of seamless garments
,y Google
468 CLOTHING — MILLINEEY GOODS— HOSIERY,
in the State of ffew York, the number of estahliahments making
Ready-made Clothing was 3,794, employing a capital of nearly twenty-
five millions, and almost one hundred thousand persons. The value
of the manufacture exceeded seventy-three and a half millions, and the
increase in tea years was fifty-one and a half per cent. This was ex-
clusive of shirts, collars, and gentlemens' furnishing goods, made in
two hundred and nineteen establishments, to the value of ItiSlSilOO
making a total of $80,850,555, as the value of mens' clothing manu-
factured in 1860. The total value manufactured io the Middle States
alone was t50,U3,T85.
Ladies' Clothing, including cloaks and mantillas, corsets and hoop-
skirts, etc., employed one hundred and eighty-eight establishments,
producing a total value of upward of seven millions annually, of which
upward of four and three quarter millions was the value of hoop-skirts
made — a branch of the ladies' clotting business which, like that of
cloaks and mantillas, has had its principal growth within the last ten
years. In this department, as well as in that of mens' clothing, tbe
great agency which has revolutionized the business, ia the Sewing-
Maclime, wbicli has also been mainly introduced and improved within
that period. It has created, in a great measure, tte wholesale and
retail trade in ready-made clothing, previously of very limited aggre-
gate value, though employing a vast number of ill-rcquited female
bands. So extensively is it now used in the manufacture of shirts and
collars, that the value of these articles made in the city of Troy, New
York, in 1860, amounted to nearly $800,000, approximating in value
the product of the numerous and extensive iron foundries which have
been a source of wealth to that city.
If, to the foregoing branches of the clothing trade, we add f i,5i3,284
as the product of cine hundred and forty milliners' establishments,
$1,483,154 for millinery goods made, $1,053,600 for artificial Sowers,
$429,554 for ruches, bonnet-frames, and other miscellaneous millinery
goods, $4,499,616 for straw goods, and $160,281 for palm-leaf hats, we
have a total value of ladies' clothing, miUinery, and straw goods, an-
nually produced, of nearly twenty millions ; and of mens' and womens'
clothing together, a value exceeding one hundred millions annually.
Hosiery. — The value of cotton and woollen hosiery made in regular
factories — of which there were one hundred and ninety-seven in I860-—
was $7,280,606, an increase of 608 per cent, largely due to the intro-
duction of improved knitting machinery.
Including between one and two millions' worth of hemp bngging
made, the value of the several textile branches enumerated, namely.
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STATE OP MANUPACTURBS IK 1860. 469
cottoQ \\ool worsted linen and Bilk goods of mens' and womens'
ckth ng tnd furiii^hing goodi hosiery etc., amount to upward of two
bundled and nmuty Gve millions of dollars.
Paper — Ihe annual production of Paper in the United States ex-
ceeds that cf either G-reat Britain or France, and the total eonsump-
tion IS greater than that of both together The number of paper-milla
returned fiom twenty four 'itate'? was five hundred and fifty-five,
representing an aggregate capiKl of $14 052,683, and employing nearly
ten thousand peisuns They manufactured 131,508,000 pounds of
pimtiQg papei 22 268 000 pounds of writing paper; 33,3T9 tons of
wiapping, m addition to colored, and bank-note papers, straw board
wall paper, etc,; making a total weight of 353,';T8,240 pounds, valued
at 121,216,802, which was an increase of 108.2 per cent, upon the pro-
duct of the same branch ia 1850. Of the total value, the New England
States returned $10,502,069, which was more than the whole Union
produced in 1850. The State of Massachusetts reported a value of
16,110,127, and the five Middle States $7,908,i37, the State of New
York having produced about half as mucii as Massachusetts. The
value of Paper HacgiDgs made, in addition to the foregoing, by twenty-
sis establishmeats, io five States, was $2,U8,800, of which New York
returned upward of one half.
Peinting.— The increase of printing-presses in the Book and News-
paper manufacture, has been great beyond all precedent, and has
exerted a most beneficent influence upon the social, moral, and indus-
trial progress of the country, hy multiplying and cheapening the
vehicles of instruction, and quickening the intellect of the people. Its
effects have been oveiywhere apparent. Never did an army before
possess so much of cultivated intellect, or demand such contributions
for its mental food, as that lately marshalled in its country's defence.
Many of these reading soldiers formed their intellectual tastes during
the ten years embraced in this review. In fact, many divisions of the
army carried the printing-press along with them, on which the soldiers
who filled most of the clerical offices at the several headquarters, issued
publications, and printed the forms of official papers. The press is,
indeed, the great prompter of enterprise. It has constantly travelled
with the emigrant, to diffuse light and intelligence from the remotest
frontiei-s, where it speedily calls into existence tbe paper-mill, and all
the accessories which it supports in older communities.
The book, job, and newspaper establishments reported from thirty-
six States and Territories, in 1860, mimbercd one thousand six hundred
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470 PRINTING — LEATHER— BOOTS AKD SII0E5,
and sixty-sis. Ttieir total capital exceeeded nineteen and a half mil-
lions, and the value of printing executed was f31,063,898, an increase
of 168 per cent Of the total value, sis Middle States produced
$20,260,906, and the &'ew England and westera sections each about
four and a half millions' worth.
Lithographic Printing was executed by fifty-three establishments,
to the value of $848,230 ; and Engramng to nearly an equal amount,
by one hundred and ninety-one establishments.
Book Binding, and the Blank Book Manufacture, employed two hun-
dred and sixty-nine concerns, producing a total value of $3,729,080,
of which upward of two and three quarter millions belonged to the
Middle States.
The value of the manufacture of Printing- Presses, of Type Found-
ing, Stereotyping, and Eleetrotyping, together, amounted to $2,531,320 ;
making the total value of printing, and its allied branches, exclusive
of paper making, to exceed thirty-nine millions of dollars.
Leathee, and Manupacthres thbeeoi". — The mannfauture of
Leather is one of the leading interests of the country. It is one
of importance to the farmer and stoclt raiser, as well as to the foreign
commerce of the country, because it consumes all the material supplied
by the former, and about four million dollars' worth, annually, of
foreign hides and skins, The product of six thousand five hundred
and twenty-eight tanning and currying establishments in the United
States, in 1850, was valued at $37,703,333. The value of sole and
upper leather, manufactured, in 1860, by five thousand and forty estab-
lishments, was $67,506,452, exclusive of morocco leather, made to the
value of $5,920,773, and of $2,101,250 worth of patent and enamelled
leather — which, with $380,272 worth of dressed skins, made a total
value of $75,598,747 ; an increase of over 100 per cent, in tfn years.
Nearly forty-four millions of the total product was returned from the
Middle States, which manufactured the larger part of the morocfo and
patent leather, and upward of thirty-seven and a half millions' worth
of other leather— a value nearly equal to that produced by all the
States in 1850. The value of common and morocco leather made in
Wew York alone, exceeded twenty-two millions, ami in Peim&tlvania
amounted to nearly fifteen millions. In New England it fell a little
short of nineteen millions.
Boots and Shoes. — The manufacture of Boots and Shoes employs a
larger number of persons than any other single branch of American
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BOOTS AND SHOES — SADDI.EKY AND IIARNEfiS. 411
industry, not excepting tlie cotton manufacture. The total nurabcr of
hands employed in 1860 was 123,026 ; of whom 28,514, or nearly one
fourth, were females. The amount of capital employed in this branch
of manufacture was over twenty-three and a quarter millions; and
the value of boots and shoes made in la.iS"! establishments, was
$91,891,498 ; an increase of $31,924,098, or upward of seventy per cent,
on the value of the same branch in 1850. The value made in New
England alone, by 2,439 establishments, employing a capital of nearly
eleven millions, and 14,393 persons, was $54,818,148; an increase of
eighty-three per cent., and upward of three quarters of a million in
excess of the total product in 1850. Of that value, forty-six and a
quarter miJHons was returned by 1,354 establishments in Massachu
setts, in which State the increase was in the ratio of 91.8 per cent In
Essex county alone the product was fourteen and a half millions, and
Worcester and Plymouth counties produced, respectively, nine and a
half and nine and a quarter millions' worth of boots and shoes. The
city of Lynn produced a value of four and three quarter millions, and
Haverhill four millions in value. The six Middle States contained 5,412
boot and shoe establishments, and produced the value of $22,976,183;
an inci-ease of S6.9 per cent. The States of New York and Pennsyl-
vania, respectively produced boots and shoes to the value of $10,925,113
and $8,414,121 ; an increase in the former of 40.5, and ia the latter of
fifty per cent. The city of Philadelphia alone produced the value of
$5,412,581, which was the largest amount manufactured in any one
place. The city of New York reported a value of $3,150,000. The
manufactures of these two cities embrace a finer quality of boots and
shoes; and the annual wholesale and retail sales in New York amount
to about twenty millions, and in Philadelphia to fifteen milhons. In
the Westem States, the valae of this manufacture amounted to upward
of nine and three quarter miiliona, of which three and a half millions
was the product of Ohio; and in the Southern States, to nearly four
miliions ; the Pacific States producing about a quarter million worth
annually.
Including Saddlery and Harness, made to the value of $14,169,031 ;
leather Belting and Hose, to the amount of $1,481,150; Trunks and
Carpet Bags, worth $3,836 ; Pocket-Booka and Portemonnaies, Cap
Fronts, Whips, Buckskin Gloves, etc., the total value of leather and its
various manufactures, produced in 1860, was not less than one hundred
and eighty-eight milhons of dollars. During the recent rebellion, the
requirements of the government stimulated the manufacture, especially
of saddlery and harness, to a remarkable degree.
i.Google
^13 MANUFACTURES IN 1860.
Manufactures or Wood.— Exclusive of Ship and Boat Bailding,
whicfa, including masts, spars, blocks, etc., amonnted to upward of
twelve millions of dollars ; of carpenters' work, done to about the same
amount; of agricultural machinery, coach, carriage, and car building,
and other branches into which wood entered as a principal material ;
the total value of maauFactures of Wood, in 1860, was not far from
one hundred and sixty millions of dollars.
Of Cabinet Wase, schooJ, and other furniture, the value manufac-
tured was $25,6.33,293— an increase of about forty per cent. Of that
value the New England States produced about five and three quarter
millions ; the Middle States upward of eleven ; and the Western States
three and a quarter millions. This was exclusive of a value of
$1,031,100 in veneers made in that year.
The value of Sawed Lumber made was 193,338,606; of Planed
Lumber, $ll,589,t36; of sash, doors, and blinds, |9,589,00Y; of
turning, scroll sawing, mouldings, etc., $3,084,325; of packing and
other boxes, $2,9Y1,91T ; of shingles, laths, etc., $1,S65,50T ; of spokes
and felloes, etc., $3,213,849; of wooden ware, $2,108,656; of staves,
Loops, shooks, etc, $I,Y13,'I43,
Of Carriages and Coaches, including childrens', the value made
was $27,223,255,; and of wagons and carts, $8,703,931; and silver
ware to the value of $3,511,654.
Musical Instruments.— Our advance in wealth and refinement is
attested by the rapid increase in the manufacture of Piano-fortes, and
otber musical instruments. The total value of these made, in 1860,
by two hundred and twenty-three establishment, in nineteen States,
was $6,548,432— an increase of 153.3 per cent. It included 21,191
Pianos, made in one hundred and ten establishments, and valued at
$5,260,901 ; of two hundred and forty-five church Organs, made by
twenty manufactories, and valued at $83i,150; of 12,643 melodeoas
and harmoniums, made by forty manufactories, to the value of $646,915 ;
and miscellaneous instruments, as ajolians, calliopes, accordeons, dul-
cimers, violins and violincellos, harps, guitars, banjos. Antes, drums,
brass and silver instruments, etc, which employed fifty-tliree estab-
lishments, making a value of $315,800. New York State produced
upward of half the total value, and Massachusetts was next in value
the increase in the two being 316 and 110 per cent, respectively.
In the quality of the wood grown in the United States, as well as in
the dryness of the climate, the American Piano-forte and organ builders
possess advantages over the European manufacturers ; and on this and
,y Google
TJQUOHS— SOArS — FLOUK — SUOAB. 473
Otber accounts, many of their instmnicnta are acknowledged to be
equal to the best of foreign make, and better adapted to the elimate.
Distilled and Malt Liquoes, etc.— The manufacture of Distilled
Liquors, exclusive of alcohol, employed eleven hundred and ninety-
three establishments, with a capital of over eleven and a half millions
of dollars, and produciDg annually a valuo of $26,T68,225— an increase
Of sixty-nine per cent " Malt Liquors were made by twelve hundred
and sixty-nine establishments, having a total capital of upwar
fifteen and three quarter millions, with a product valued at $21,310,
The value of Rectified Spirits, returned by two hundred and thirty,
two factories, was $T,994,707 ; of Alcohol, made hy twenty-two manu-
facturers, $4,168,360 ; of wine, by thirty-two vintners, $400,791 ; of
bottJed liquors, $83,610; and of cordials, $30,900— making the total
value of spirituous and other liquors, $60,756,536. More than ninety
per cent, of all the spirits made was from materials of domestic pro-
duction, the larger part of the high wines, whisky, and alcohol, being
the product of the graia-growiiig States, Middle and Western ; a much
smallev amount of New England rum having' been made from imported
molasses. The manufacture of malt liquors, though of less magnitude,
and far less pernicious in its effects, showed a still larger increase, the
ratio being 273 per cent. It derives its materials, also, wholly from
agriculture— and its extension, therefore, promises more substantial
benefits to the country.
Soap and Candles. — These articles employed six hundred and
fourteen establish meats, producing an aggregate value of $18,464 574
which was exclusive of $1,145,000 worth of adamantine, and $1,800
worth of wax candles, and of fancy soaps, included with perfumery.
The increase was eighty-one per cent, on the product in 1850.
Plotjb,and Meal.— This large industry employed 13,868 establish-
ments, and a capital of eighty-four and a half millions ; and the value
of the product reached the large sura of $248,580,365— of which
$83,783,553 was reported from the Middle States, aad $108,307,222
from the Western States. The total increase was upward of one hun-
dred and twelve and a half millions in value, and was in the ratio of
eighty-two per cent. The value of Bread and Crackers made for sale
was $16,980,012.
Sugab Repining was a branch in which a large increase was appa-
rent, the value having been augmented from $9,898,800 in 1850, to
,y Google
4Ti MANDPACTUaES IN 1860.
$43,143,234 in 1860, or at tbe rate of 325 per cent. The larger part
of the prodiiet was retui-Qed from the Middle States, New York alone
Laving reported a value of upward of twenty-three millions.
Tobacco AND Snuep employed six hundred and twenty-sis establish-
ments, the value of whose manufactures was $31,820,535 ; and four-
teen hundred ami seventy-eight Cigar manufacturers reported a pro-
duet of $9,068,178.
Marble and Stone WoaK was produced by eighteen hundred and
sis establishments, to the value of $16,244,044 annually.
The followinj, table exhibits the statibtic ol tho o biim.1 s of
Manufactures which accordmn- to tho cei sus letuin oi 18(0 ji Ided
an annuil pioduct exceedrng 'i milliDu of dollar-j
B Its, H Ca TV ash rg
Bookbl ding flBUnlcBook
B™ JODdng
183
IfiSim
B ad dCnoks™
1,930
3,90»1S9
Brii
1,686
7180138
Bmalios
OTsaao
CaJfooPrlntiiis
22
3,3B7,25B
CHmpH i UmalBg Blnid
33
606101)
M6000
0«p lering
1,S23
Oarpte
4.731988
Csn1«g
8,917
1*031^
dJua d OnmibuseB
a,9o3717
1,21k. 700
Chmkal
S4
J 276 800
2,40I,M«
aU3,761
18,980012
10 363,734
,y Google
FnTDituce, CBblnet, eto
Ghs Elxtur 9 Lmpe, and (
2 612731
84^5 Mi
Nafla Cot.'Wroiighl.aiidS^fei
Oil Cwl
m aud EounelUd OlDtb
P Ints
tl^l,2Bl!
7 843^39
01»B
112
643B66C
3 769
261
B,77B466
Qloyea and Ultteiu
1,176,796
Qlue
lOB BOO
S«6
i;i86,626
Gold and BUtb Asaying and
Bsfimng
1,140,070
Gnnpowler
2S06 700
3223,090
126i
10 908,106
Hsta and Oapa
4,164 372
761
16,937,732
Emery
4,036 610
3,780
682S
7,230,600
IbUb Rubber QoodB
i,m
6 042,700
Iron, Cast (of ^1 kinds)
1^
SA^ssim
80,638,078
Forged, Eollea and Wrought
402
23,343 073
21,962
86,637.260
Pig
ase
3i«-2,e34
TB
20,870,120
Jewel;
10,416,811
biatbec and Skloe
7f,6e3,J4T
Lqoots MBtilled
28,708.225
1,269
il,810,933
4,866,000
1»B
1008 S8S
2,854,132
Lumbar Planed
4ce
4,138998
3 16
_
11,689,730
16,244,64*
8465,594
1 4S3,I64
201 214
,y Google
MANUFACTUBEe IN 1860.
SlKuglai ana tBth
Ship UDd Boat BnUdiDg
SUovele, S|>Bx]e£, Torka,
Eilkn UDd Fancy Ooods.
Silk, Sewing and Twist
Mvei-, Moaofectures ol
" flated&Britaui
Soap aud Caudles
Bpoks, HntH, Felloes,
upu
1,128 «0
1,262780
1 £28146
1173001)
2,450,972
above epeoifled 140,433 $1,003,855,175 1,040,349 270,897 $I,885,86I,C7S
Some of the causes which have contributed to lift tliis department
of American Industry to its present stature have been already inciden-
tally mentioned Among these are the vast though imperfectly devel-
oped natural ri^ouices of the country for the production of food and
raw mateiials, paiticularly cotton, hemp, wood, coal, iron, lead, copper,
petroleum, and other metallic and mineral products; in the hydraulic
powei, and facile communication afforded by its numerous rivers and
,y Google
EENEPIT8 OP IMIORATION. 477
streams. Allusion has also been made to tlie cumulative productiYO
power of wealth which, though less operative in this than in many-
older countries, has not been unfelt in the accumulation and concentra-
tion of capita], in manufacturing towns, edifices, machinery, and all the
appliances of industry, nearly all of which has been the creation of a
single half century.
The substantial basis, however, upon which the national prosperity
in this and all other branches of industry ha? been built, is the free
scope given by the political system of the United States to eveiy spe-
cies of enterprise. This freedom of iadusf ly, at least thioughout those
sections of the Union chiefly employed in mtnufacturos in securing to
labor and capital the profits ot their oseici^e hat, been a principal
agency m attracting and retaining both which aie eser sen'.itive to the
measme of fieedom under which they aie employed Haiiog been
peifectJy free to seek then most piohtible employment accuiding to
the natural Kw of demand and supply an incieismg diveis faeation
and multiplication of pnisuits his resulted and contiibuted theieby to
general and individual prospeiity Laboi on the one hand hi^ heen
fiee from the dommition of capita,! centiallied m vist O^erfClOWn cor-
poral ons and Lipital has on the other hand been exempt from the
combinations of labor contiolled by guilds and trades' unions conditions
incident to the industrial systems of other rtuntnes
A result of this freedom of industry and of lehgiout, opinion in the
United Stites has been an nnexampled How of laboi and capital from
the redundant wealth and oveisto Led labor maikets of Euiope The
number of the natives of other countries Jiving in tho United States in
1850 was 2,240,535, and in I860, 4,131,866. Although these numbers
comprised the representatives of nearly every civilized nation on the
globe, by far tho larger part were of a class having a community of
origin, language, laws, customs, and forms of industry with the Teu-
tonic and Celtic races of the United Kingdom and of Germany, by
whom these States were originally peopled, and with whose descendants
they have readily blended. They consisted very largely of small
farmers, mechanics, and laborers, many of whom have sought homes in
the agricultural States and Territories of the West, while a still larger
proportion have found a market for their skill and labor in the Jarge
commercial cities and manufacturing towns, where they have supplied
the drain made by steadily westwaid migiation fiom the older commu-
nities. Trained to industry in tho workshops of Turope as many of
these were, and acquainted with the mcchinical methods and appli-
ances of their respective countiiea thny ha\ e constantly reuifirced the
ranks of our manufacturers and meihanica with the manual dexterity.
,y Google
4t8 causes of the growth of makufaotures.
the artistic skill, the patient toil, and other peculiarities which charac-
terize the systems of elaliora.te and divided labor in older countries.
Tlie total number of alien -passengers arriving in tbe United States by
sea in the forty-one and one fourth yeai-s ending December 31, 1860,
was about 5,063,414, exclusive of many entering from the British Pro-
vincea' without being enumerated. Of this number, about one half
were between the ages of fifteen and thirty years, or in the most pro-
ddctive period of life. The acceleration of this immigration in tlie last
twenty years, aod particularly in the last half of it, is shown in the fact
that while the number amring in the ten years preceding June, 1840,
was a little over half a million, it amounted in the next ten years to
upward of one and a half millions, and in the last ten, ending Mav 31,
1860, to 3,TflT,624, most of whom declared their intention to remain.
The number of emigrants from Great Britain and Ireland alone, in the
forfy-sis yeara ending with 1860, was 3,048,306, exclusive of large
numbers entering by way of Canada ; and the immigration from Ger-
many, io the same time, amounted to nearly one and a half millions.
The amount of property in cash brought into the country hy these five
millions of foreigners, has been estimated at not less than four hundred
milJions of dollars ; but the physical, intellectual, and moral worth of
the immigrants was a vastly greater increment to the industrial re-
sources of the nation, a due share of which<in cunning of hand, inventive
talent, order, and pe reeve ranee, has been incorporated with the native
skill, energy, and enterprise of the manufacturing population.
As the best safeguard of civil aad religious liberty, the readiest
meaus of assimilating the foreign with the native popuktion, of quick-
ening the geoeral intellect, and therefore of promoting enterprise, in-
dustry, invention, order, and thrift, by rendering labor intelligent and
educated, the system of popular instruction in the United States must
be regarded as a prominent element of industrial success. As early
as 1642, public education was enjoined by law upon each town in
Massachusetts, as a matter " of singular behoof and benefit to any
commonwealth." The example was early followed by other govern-
ments, and the Articles of Confederation in 118Y, as well as the several
acts admitting new States into the Union, provided for the appropria-
tion of lands in each township for the use of public schools; which
measure has become the settled policy of the United States. Several
Western States have set apart whole townships of land for that pur-
pose, and a large number of States have ample funds for the support
of schools. The whole amount of lands appropriated by the Federal
Government for schools and colleges, down to January 1st, 1854, was
nearly fifty-three millions of acres. The total amount expended hy
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AMEaiOAN AItT SOHOOLH — INBTTSTEIAL
the general and local governments for educational purposes, to the
present time, hiK been estiroated at not less than five hundred millions
of dollars. As a consequence of the liberal support gi¥cn to educa-
tion by public and privato means, leas than one fifth of the total native
white population, in 1850, or about one in twenty-two, was unable to
read and write — and in Hfew England, only one in every four hun-
dred— while the number of illiterate foreigners was about twice the
number of natives. Of native white persons over twenty years of
ago, the proportion unable to read and write in the United States was
8.28 per cent, or one in twelve— in S'ew England, one in 238 — and
of foreigners over twenty, one in seven.
Much has been accomplished, also, for the education of the mechan-
ical and various professional classes, whose influence has been felt iu
the progress of the arts, during the last ten years, in the several means
of special instruction established in past years — such as Mechanics'
Iastitnt«s, Polytechnic Schools, Schools of Mining and Engiaeering,
Schools of Design, Art JEshihitions, Annual Fairs, etc. etc. Promi-
nent among these in direct influence upon the character and progress
of American industry, was the international system of
Ihdustriai Exhibitioss.
Among the plans which were adopted early in the present decade
to stimulate progress in the Arts and Manufactures, the most useful
and noteworthy was the attempt to exhibit in one building the works
of industry of All Nations. In 1850, his Boya! Highness, Prince
Albert, as President of the Society of Arts, proposed an eahibition of
this kind, in order to give "a true test and living picture of the point
of development at which the whole of mankind had arrived in this
great task ;" and he has the credit of having originated the iirst and
most successful of all these exhibitions — that held in London in 1851.
The building was in itself a miracle of art and beauty. It was con-
structed chiefly of glass and iron, after a plan submitted by Sir Joseph
Paxton, and covered an area of about eighteen acres. Its general form
was a parallelogram, 1848 feet long and 418 feet wide, the greatest
length running from east to west. There was also a projection on the
south side, 936 foet long and 48 feet wide. This area was subdivided
into twelve avenues, of. various widths, the chief or central passage
being seventy-two feet wide and sixty-three feet high. The avenues
were formed by rows of hollow cast-iron columns, eight inches in
diameter, placed in line, twonty-four feet from each other, and which
acted as supports for the building and rain-water drains. There were
294,000 panes of glass used in the building, the bulk being forty-nine
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480 INDUSTRIAr, EXHIBITIOSB.
inches long by ten inches broad ; and the total cost of the structure
was £142,000, 7s. 6d The Eshibition remained open one Imndred and
forty-one days; the number of persons who visited it ia stated at
1,039,165 ; and the gross receipts at £423,T93, 4s. 6(?. ^Che resources
of the United States in raw materials, and articles of food, were
tolerably represented ; hut no accurate idea of the progress in the arts,
and development of manufactures, could be obtained from the few
apeeiraens which found their way to that exhibition. Our countrymen,
however, achieved decided triumphs in several departments. The
American Eeapers ; Bigelow's Carpet Power Looms ; Day & ]S"ewell'a
Locks; St. John's Variation Compass and Velocimeter ; Herring's
Safes; and Dick's Anti- Friction Press had no rivals, and afforded
conclusive demonstrations of American superiority in utilitarian inven-
tions.
The brilliant success that attended the London Exhibition, suggested
to citizens of New. York the idea of having one on American soil ; and
on the 11th of March, 1852, the Legislature of the State of J^ew York
enacted a charter of incorporation for "The AssoaATioN poa the
Exhibition or the Industry op ai.t, Nations." The capital was
nominally two bundred thousand dollars, with permission to increase
it to three hundred thousand. The stock was not sought for in large
sums, and was distributed among more than one hundred and fifty in-
dividuals and firms. After some vexatious and damaging delays, the
formal opening took place on the tith of July, 1853, though the build-
ing itself was not then completed, and barely lalf the articles intended
for exhibition were in position In consequence in part, of the delay
in opening, the exhibition was not a commeicial success ; but its influ-
ence upon industry, especially minufaclurmg industry, was audoubt-
edly beneficial and wide-spread A hst of the articles exhibited, and
the names of the exhibitors, can be found ]n a folio volume published
by G-, P. Putnam, and entitled Progiess of Science and Mechanism ;"
and the prominent or especially noteworthy articles, are referred to in
a duodecimo edited by Horace Greeley, of New York, entitled "Art
and Industry of the Crystal Palace."
The New York Exhibition was followed by one at Munich, in 1854;
at Paris, in 1855; and at Manchester, in 185T. But the most important
one of all, was the late English Exhibition held in London, in 1862.
It was designed tbatthe Exhibition should consist principally of worits
produced since 1850 ; but, in consequence of the distracted state of the
country, American art and industry were poorly represented, there
being only about, seventy exhibitors from the United States, in about
twelve of the industrial classes.
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PATENTS — PATENT OFjj'lCE. 431
AQothei pramiaent agency which has coatrihuted to the receat
wonderful espansion of Americao indnatrj, in Massachusetts, la thd
remarkable activity of mind manifested in inventions and dia.'ovcries
in the mechanical arts, and in physical science. This may be regarded
aa the natural fruit of the mental culture and freedom secured by the
political and municipal institutions of the country, as well as of the
national system of patents, which, in common with that of most other na-
tions', secures to genius the reward of originality or utility in its exercise.
As early as IbuT the i umber of patents issued to American inventors
had grown to exceed those granted by the English office, and the
numberofipil cations were greater than those in France; although in
both those counti es there is no rigid preliminary examination of
applications and nearV all patents applied for are granted. The con-
trast, however in th s particular, between Russia and America ia
much more marked In Russia there were but ninety-seven patents
granted in the years 1S52-1854, of which fifty-six only wore issued to
natives of the empire ; being an average of about nineteen per annum,
in a population of sixty-nine millions. For twelve months ending
IfoTember, 185T, tbe patents granted amountGd to twenty-four, of
which but thirteen were to natives of the country ; while in the Uuited
States, within the same period, there were over forty-five hundred
applications filed, and twenty-nine Luadrod patents granted. In a
single year there were one hundred and sixteen patents issued for
improvements npon a single machine— the Sewing Machine.
In analyzing the ciiaracter and objects of the various inventions that
have been patented, we find— as indeed, one would expect from the
circumstances of society existing in this country, in consequence of its
comparatively recent settlement— that much the largest proportion of
them are of a utilitarian and Jabor-saving character. Of the twenty-
nine hundred patents issued in 1857, four hundred and thirty- eight
were for agricultural implements and processes, including as such
Cotton-gins, Rice -cleaners, and Fertilizers ; and of the thirty-seven
hundred and ten patents issued in the succeeding year, five hnndred
and ten were for inventions relating to agvienltural implements and
processes, of which one hundred and fifty-two -were for improvements
in Cotton-gins and Presses ; one hundred and sixty-four for improve-
ments in the Steam Engine, and one hundred and ninety-eight for
improvements in Railroads and Railroad Oars. The unceasing demand
has been for agencies that would enable man to extract fi-om the
material world the largest amount of the elements of human comfort,
With the least expenditure of physical labor; though the genius of
our countrymen has not,, by any means, been confined exclusively to the
31
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482 CAUSES OF THE GROWTH OF MANUFACTljRES.
inTention and improyemeDt of macliincs and processes of maQufacture.
Within a few years very many designs and patterns have been patented;
and we are encouraged to liope that American artisaas will soon he
able to compete with those of other and older countries in the produc-
tion of those pleasing forms, figures, and designs, which adapt and
recommend certain kinds of manufactured fabrics to people of cultivated
taste.
In measuring the relative rank of the States of this Union by the
tape line of the ingenuity of their citizens, we find that New York
stands first, Pennsylvania second, Massachusetts third, Ohio fourth,
Connecticut fifth, and Illinois sixth. Thus, of the thirty-six hundred
and sixty-eight persons who received patents in 1858, nearly one-third,
or one thousand and seventy-six, were citizens of New York; four
hundred and forty-seven of Pennsylvania ; four hundred and thirty-
eight of Massachuesetts ; three hundred and two of Ohio, and two
hundred and eleven of Connecticut. And of forty-four hundred and
ninety-one patentees in the succeeding year, twelve hundred and thirty-
seven were citizens of New York ; five hundred and thirty-two of
Pennsylvania; four hundred and ninety-two of MassaehucBctts ; thres
hundred and ninety of Ohio ; two hundred and fifty-six of Conneoticuli
and two hundred and six of Illinois, The following table exhibits
The Business op the Patent-ofpioe wb. Twentv-four Yeakb
ENDING DeCEMBEE 31 1861.
AppUcatlous Cayeats Patents Cash &bIi
Years. filed. Mud. jQaued. recetrpd. eKpeoded.
xasT 43B ias,a89.08 t33,eo6,e8
ISSS 620 42423.64. 37,40aiO
183a 426 37,260.00 84,H3^1
1840 768 228 478 38^6.61 39,020.67
1841 3tT 312 499 40,41SJH 62,868.87
1842 761 Ml 61T 38,606.68 81^1.48
1343 BIB 816... ._ 531 86,816.81 ao,na,M
18*4 1,046 380 603 12,60836. 36,844,73
18« 1,346 452 602 61,07644 89,396.65
1846 1,272 M8 619 60,261.16 46468.71
1847 1,631 6S3 672 68,11119 41,878.35
IB18 1,628 607 660 67,67669... ._ 68,e06.M
1849 1,655 B96 1,070 80,762.78 77.716,44
1860 2.193 602 996 8^0iR'J)5 80,100.95
1851 2,263 760 86» 05,733.61 84,918.98
1SB2 2,6S9 996.._.. 1,020 112/J6eSl 96,916.91
1S68 2,673 901 B5B 121,62(1.45.... „ 132,869.88
1854 ^324 868 1,902 163,789,84 IBT^ieSS
1866 _ 4,436 903 2,024 216,469,86 179,640.33
1866 4,860 1,024 2,502 102,688.02 199,981.02
1867 4,771 IfllO 2,910 196.132,01 211,682.09
1868 S.3B4 W3 3,710 208,718.19. 193,198.74
1869 r 6,225 1,097 4,938 245,942,16 210,273,41
I860 7,668. 1,084. 4,819 266,892,69 252,820,80
MM 4,648 700..-.. 3,840 187,864.44. a2I,4»LM
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483
la view of tlub wonderful mcrei^e m the bu^inesa of the Pateiit-
offieo, a lite OommibBionei ».b jusMed m ,a„ng the inventi™ seeia,
of tho comti, gieat .s have beeu its effmM and attainmenta has
manife.ted none of the kngaoi of exhanilion noi tc«ilied anj inclina-
tion fop lepoie Each dibcOTery made lile a tre kindled in a dark
plaee, while enlatemg the hoiizon of %cicnc. has laid bate yet other
and wider held? to bo tiaveisod by its ever bi shtemns »w«y.
Revietving the timmphs of invention and diseoieij°m every depart-
ment of the arte and scienees for the last thite .inaitei! of a centnrj
and in maiking then benelicient inflnences in aoflenmg the asperities
and eialtinit the dignity of hnman labor there is abundant oauso for
heartfelt exultation
We are unable m th.e place to do more than glance at a few of the
more importaDt patent improvements made since 1850.
I. Of the iuBtrnments and operations relating to Agrienlture which
constitute a large proportion of all the patent inventions recorded in
the United States, the number was very large, and many of them have
proved of incalenlatle heneSt to the rural induatry of the nation
Although the patents issued always consist iargelv of improvements
on existing implements, the number of new machines and tools adapted
tothevatiousdepartments ofrurnl economy, particularlymowlag reaping
and threshing machines, cultivators, drills, seeding and planting
machines, ploughs, and daily implements, was both numerous and
important. It is, however, by the snoeessive improvements and modi,
fcations of tho several parts of valuable maehines, which are the subject
of the larger number of patents Issued, that they are ultimately brought
to that perfection of form and construetion which rendeis them so
servieeable as labor-saving Instruments. Among these the various
machines for reaping, mowing, and securing grain and hay, by horse-
power, hold a prominent place ; both on account of their wonderfnl
service to Agrienlture, and because, as praetical inventions, they are
almost entirely American, and a product of the last twelve'or Ulleen
yeara.
Since the Great EihlWtlou in London, in 1851, when public atten-
tion, at home and abroad, was strongly directed to the comparative
ments of American and foreign implements, as shown by the public
trials in England, improvements have followed in rapid sueoession
and their manufacture and use has been vastly augmented. The'
number of American patents for Reaping and Mowing Machinery re.
corded previous to 1845, when the second patent was issued to 0. H.
MeCorraick, of Va., was about thirty, including the original Machine of
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484 IMPORTANT INVENTIONS PROM 1850 TO 1860.
Obed Hussey, that of 0. H. McCormiek, tbo Combiued Heaping,
Threshing, and Winnowing Machine of Moore & Hasltell, of MichigaD,
and the Mowing Machine of the late Wm. F. Eetchum, patented in
18ii, which was the pioneer implement for that purpose. Unusual
interest in this class of machinery was also excited hy a grand field
trial of Mowers and Eeapers, held under the auspices of tbe New
York State Agricultural Society, at Geneva, in 1852, when two pre-
miums were awarded, and by that instituted at Syracuse, K". T., by
the United States Agricultural Society, in July, 1851, when fifteen
mowing, nine reaping, and fourteen combined Mowing and Reaping
MachiDCS were entered for competition. Previous to the latter year
no lees than one hundred and seventy-six grain and grass barvestora,
and sixty-two mowing machines had been patented in the United
States. Since that time the number has steadily increased, amounting
to between one and two hundred annually, in some years, including
several original machines. Among these were many improvements in
the appendages and minor details of construction, which have secured
greater cheapness, efEcieney, or durability ; rendering several of the
most approved maohiiies tho bagig of prosperous manufacture, &s well
as inestimable blessings to the agricultural commimities of this and
foreign countrios. Without disparagement to many other inventors,
who have made valuable improvements, the following may be named
as successful in the introduction of Mowers and Reapers, single or com-
bined, and of valuable appurtenances to such machines. Many of the
patentees, like Husscy, McCormiek, Eetchum, and other early inventors,
have recorded numerous modifications of the mechanism ; some of them
almost yearly, and some several times in the same year, so great has
been the stimulus to improvement, and the demand for good imple-
ments in this branch of mechanics. Among the patentees of harvesting
machinery in 1850, was John E. Heath, of Warren, Ohio, who also
patented a machine for raking and binding grain. In 1861, John H.
Manny, of Waddam's Grove, III., brought forward a Combined Mower
and Harvester, which, though far from being a perfectly constructed
instrument, shared with that of W. F. Ketchum, of Bulfalo, K". Y., the
only two premiums awarded for Mowers at the Geneva trial, in the
following year. It was the subject of improvements patented by the
inventor in 1853 and 1853, and afterward became the basis of numerous
improvements made by Walter A. Wood, of Hoosick Falls, Rensselaer
Go,, N. Y,, who purchased a territorial right in the machine. A Grain
and Grass Harvester was patented the same year by Wm. H. Seymour,
assignor to Seymour, Morgan & Co., of Brockport, N. Y., who has
made many improvements in Mowers and Harvesters. The Automaton
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MOWING AND REAPING MACHINES. 485
Reaper of Jearum AtkiES, of Chelsea, Illinois, Bioce extecsively manu-
factured at Daytou, Ohio, was patented the same year. la 1853, Philo,
Sylla, and Augnstua Adams, of Elgin, 111., patented an improvement in
Grass and Grain Harvesters, provided with platforms and seats
for a raker and two binders, and a bos to receive the sheaves, etc. And
Thomas D. Burrall, of Geneva, N. Y., the same year made an improve-
ment in Reaping Machines by making an additional apron or platform,
with gearing, to convert a rear discharge into a side discharge of the
grain. This Convertible Reaper took the first premium at the Gene.va
trial in the preceding year, and a diploma was awarded the inventor
at Syracuse, in I85T, for a Mowing Machine, distinguished for its sim-
plicity and solidity of construction. In 1853 and 1854, additional
improvements were made in Grain and Grass Harvesters by John H..
Manny, of Rockford ; and by Howard & Ketchum, of Buffalo ; and ia
Mowing Machines, by M. Hallenbeck and Alanson Gale, of Albany,
JJ. Y. Of more than fifty patents for improvements in Harvesting
Machinery, granted in 1855, the Illinois Harvester of Jonathan Haines,
of Pekin, 111., said to he capable of harvesting twenty acres per diem,
that of John E. Ifewcomb, of Whitehail, N. Y., and the Combined
Mowers and Harvesters of Dietz & Dnnbain, of Ilaritaii, N". T., and of
Wm. H. Hovey, of Springfield, Mass., and others, have each acquired
a reputation. Among numerous improvements in Mowers and Reapers,
patented in 1856, were the well-known Mowing Machines of E. Ball,
and of C, Aultman & Lewis Miller, of Canton, Ohio ; both assigned to
Ball, Aultman & Miller, manufacturers of that place., la 1859, the
latter patent was divided, and reissued as six separate patents, and
that of Ball was reissued as two. In 185Y, the patents for this kind
of machinery numbered about one hundred and twenty ; among which
were five for improvements in Harvesters, issued to Walter A. Wood, of
Hoosick Falls. Improvements in Automatic Rakes, for Harvesters,
which of late years have attracted much attention, were also patented
by two or three persons, in 1S56. Among others, in 185T, by John
W. Brokan, of Springfield, Ohio, who assigned the patent to Warden,
Brokan & Child, to whom were also assigned a patent for a Mowing
Machine by Thomas Harding, of that place ; and another for a Com-
bined Mower and Reaper, patented by Brokan and Harding conjointly.
In 1858, a still larger number of improvements in these machines was
patented, and each of the four following years augmented tlie number
of new and successful machines, or of valuable modifications in those
already in use. The machines already named, most of which are
favorite implements, as well as the older ones of C. H. McOormick,
Obed Hussey, W. P. Ketchum, and those of R. S. Allen, of New York
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486 IMPORTANT INVENTIONS FROM 1850 TO 1860.
city, and others, are each manufactured to tlie number of many tbouaanda
annually. Tbe whole number of Reapers ancl Mowers made by some
ten or twelve leading maiiufactarera in the four years following 1860,
is said to have been about two hundred and fourteen thousand
machines.
Of Threshing Machines and Grain Separators, indispensable in large
farming operations, which require the Horse-power Reaper, some three
hundred and fifty patents had been recorded previous to 1851, iuclnding
several valuable implements. Among these were the machines of J.
A. Pitts, of Buffalo, which received the Gold Medal at the Paris Ex-
hibition, in 1855, Gilbert's Excelsior Machine, Moffat's Improved,
Palmer's Rotary, Snyder's, Wageaer's, and Zimmerman's Machines
for threshing, separating, cleaning, and bagging grain. Allen's
Single Horse-power, Hathaway's, aud other machines, with many
improved machines of later introduction, were patented within the
period here reviewed. Instruments for husking and shelling corn
have also been greatly multiplied to the benefit of the western farmer.
The patented improvements in Ploughs usually outnumber those of any
Other implement, and, including twenty-eight patents for Hill-side
Ploughs, amounted in all, previous to the year 1851, to about five hun-
dred. Some novel and useful modifications of this typical instrument
of husbandry, both in form and material, were introduced within the
last five years. The Gang Plough, the Sulky Plough, the Shovel Plough,
the 'Plough with revolving or wheel coulter, the Steam Plough, and, the
more practicable substitute for the latter, the Rotary Spader, have each
occupied the attention of inventors during this time, and with one and
two horse Cultivators, Bi'oadcast Seed Sowers and Drills, Iron Rollers,
improved Harrows, etc., constitute the great dependence of farmers in
the tillage of large farms and plantations. Gang Ploughs were pat-
ented by two pei-sons, in 1850, and by several in subsequent years ;
and, in 1851, three patents were granted for Steam Ploughs, to D. B.
Spencer, of Virginia; J. R. Gray, of Wisconsin ; and E. Groves, of
New York. These were followed by three others, iu 1858, in Sep-
tember of which year the Ploughing Machine of J. W. Pawkos, of
Pennsylvania, one of the number, was first tested at Oentralia, Illinois,
with a degree of success and promise not since sustained by it or others
in this coantry. In 1859, fourother Steam Ploughs were patented, and
many other patents have since been granted for that purpose. A
valuable machine for farmers was the portable arid inexpensive, but
efficient. Hay and Cotton Press, patented in 1854.
II. In the Metallurgie Arts, some useful processes and productions
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IRON— STEEL— CHAIKS—SOBEWa—PILEa 487
were patented, although, as in other hranches, generally the improve-
ments were more numerons than important. James Ronton, of New-
arlc. New Jersey, in 1851, patented a deoiydiainB apparatus formaliing
wronght-iron direet from the ore by combining a series of fat vortical
tubes with a puddling liirnaee. As an improvement to which, in 1854
ho patented the use of a Wast or blasts to inorease the heat of furnaces
for maltmg wrought-iron direet from the ore, which wore also the sub-
jects of patents in the latter year byThomas V. Harvey and others ad-
mmistratorsof the Harvey Steel and Iron Company, of How York ; and
by Bell and Iselt, of Tyrone, Pennsylvania ; and by Qoorgo A. Whipple
of Newark, Hew Jersey, in 1853. In 1853, James McCarty, of Read-
mg, Pennsylvania, patented an apparatus for puddling iron, consisting
of a novel form of reverberating furnace. In 1856, Mr. Henry Basse-
mer, of London, obtained two patents, previously taken out in Eng-
land-one for his process of malting iron and steel hy forcing among
the particles of molten iron currents of air or gas to keep up the com-
bustion of carbon until it was converted into steel or malleable iron with-
out reheating, and the other for smelting iron ore without ordinary car-
bonacoons fuel, by underlaying the oharg. of ore with moltea iron,
treated as above. Tbese, and additional patents, covering later im-
provementa and machinery whereby iron and steel aro now made
directly from the ore in vast masses at greatly redoeod cost, and also
for makiog car axles Mid other forgings of cast steel or cast semi-steel,
etc., have been again issued to him during the past year (1865). Rob-
ert Mushet, of England, also patented in the United States, in 185T
bis improved mamifacture of malleable iron and steel, by adding to
decarbonized cast-iron in the molten state a compound containing iron
carbon, and manganese. In 185J and 1861, improvements in making
malleable cast-iron were patented by Professor A. K. Ea.ton, of New
Tork, whose method of making steel— practically demonstrated by him
at Rochester, «ve or ,ix years before-was employed at this time by
the Damascus Steel Company, and other American works. Chain-
making Machines, of ingenious construction, were patented in 1855
by E. Welssenborn, of New York; wire rope, l,y John A. Rocbling'
of Trenton, New Jersey, in 1854 ; and wire springs for furniture iii
1858, by C. A- and S. W. Young, of Providence, Rhode Island. Bank
and other Looks were the subjects of numerons patents by Lewis Yale
and other inventors. Pour patents wore issued in 1858, and the same
number in 1856, to Cullen Whipple, assignor to the New England
Serew Company, for improvements in machinery for makiog wood
screws. His earlier patent, used by the same company, was reissued
in 1850 An improved File Cutting Machine, much used by manufac-
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48S IMPORTANT INVENTIONS FROM 1850 TO 1860.
tuvers, was patented by Etienne Bernet, of Paris, in 18S0. In 1853,
David Stnait, of Philadelphia, patented a process of annealing hollow
iron ware by coating the iaside with a composition of soapstone dust
and carbon^ and afterward heating them. Machines for planing motala
were patented, in 1853, by William W. Sheppard, of Boston ; and, in
1859, by Jeremiah Carhart, of New York.
III. The mauufacture of fibrous and textile materials gave rise to
numerous patents for improved processes and machinery which have
materially centributed to the progress of manufactures. The improve-
ments in Looms were very numerous, and amounted, in the fourteen
years, from 1850 to 1863 inclusive, to about two hundred and seventy,
including one, in 1854, for operating looms by electricity, patented the
previous year in Prance, by Cf. Eonelli. Among these, we may refer
to the patents for power-looms, in 1850, to Enoch Durt, of Connecticut,
who, in the following year and 1853, patented, we believe, the first
fancy check power-looms, and to those of Erastus B. Bigelow, William
Mason and George Crompton, of Massachusetts, William J. Horst-
mann and J. J. Hepwortb, of Pennsylvania. To the looms for weav-
ing various figured and cut pile fabrics, patented by Samuel and James
EccJes, and Barton H. Jenks, of Philadelphia ; that of R. W. Sievier,
of Maachester, England, patented here in 1854 ; that of Thomas Crop-
ley, of Roxbury, Massachusetts; of 0. G. Gilray, of New York; and,
for plain or figured goods, by John Broadbent, of Kentucky.
In carpet looms for iograin and tapestry carpets there were many
improvements by E. B. Bigelow and others, and in the fabric itself
improvements were made among others by Thomas Cropley, of Rox-
bury, Massachusetts, now of Connecticut, whose tapestry steam printed
carpets, ruga, etc., felted on a body of India Rubber vulcanized in the
process of felting, are said to possess great beanty, durability and
cheapness. Improvements were also made by Ales. Smith and by
J. G. McNair, both of West Farms, New York, and by many others.
Designs for carpet patterns have been the subject of numerous patents
in the last few years, espeeially by the Lowel! Manufacturing Co. of
Massachusetts, and the Hartford Carpet Co. of New York, as the
assignees respectively of Elmer J. Ney and Henry G. Thompson.
In looms for weaving seamless and other bags, improvements were
made by Cyrus Baldwin, assignor to the Stark Mills of Manchester,
New Hampshire; by Sheldon Northrop of Connecticut; by William
Talbot of Maine and S. S. Thomas of Massachusetts, and by Jillson &
Sparhawk of Maine, and others. In Flax and Hemp machinery, we
had among others, improvements in the dressing and preparation ol
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miBovBmms m flax deessibo a»d KBiiTiHa maohiiibs. 48!
a. am, to wtioh Iho reoont scarcity of cotton has given „nnsna.
interest aa agenK in substitution for tliat material. Among tlie more
impottaot of these were the Hemp Breaking and Dressing Machines o
S. A. Clemens of Massachusetts, and of Treat & E.nd.ll of Connecti
out, and the Chemical process of Peter Clanssen of Englanii in 1851
the Hemp Brale of L. S. Chichester of Hew Tori in 1852 and 1854
m«hines and processes for Blo.ching H.i, by Roth A Le. ot rhlladel-
phia, and the Water Rotting process of William Watt, of fllasgow in
the latter year ; the Kotary Plai Scutching Machine of W. 0 MoBri'de
of Hew Jersey, previously patented in England, In 1856 1 the Cylinder
ilax and Hemp Dresser of G. F. Schaffer, of Sow Torli in 1861 and
eight or ten improvements, in 186!!, by G. Sanford and J. B. Mal'lory
of Hew York, for breaking, scotching, cleaning, and dressing hemp
and flax An improvement in treating hemp and dax to make them
resemble cotton, was patented in the same year by I. p Oomly of
Ohio, and an improvement in Ux cleaning and dressing machines by J
E. Crowell, of Massachusetts. These and other mechanical and chem;
ical devices are now in use, for preparing long and short flax stook as
« substitute (or cotton, and possess ranaidorablo interest in their rela-
tion to the problem at present under trial, of assimilating a., hemp
and other vejetable Sbres to the character of cotton, so as to be carded
spun, and woven by automatic machinery at much less cost than
lormerly. Several valuable improvements were made in Hosierv
Looms and Knitting Machinery. Th. whole number of patents granted
for this purpose in the tTuited States up to 1864 was one hundred and
twenty.sii, of which number one hundred and ten have been Issued
Since 1850 and tbirty-sii since 1860. The most valuable oontribntion
to this class of teitile machinery was that ot Timothy Bailev of
Ballston Spa, Hew York, who was the lirst to give the world a Poier
Stocking Loom, having about the year 1852 sncceoded in adapting the
old knitting frame of Leo to work by power, whieh was put in opera-
tion at Coboes, and who patented improvements in 1862 and 1854
Patents for Rotary Knitting Machines were taken out in the former year
by H. G. Sanford and D. Talnter, both of Worcester, Massacbusolts aid
others in the following year by Moses Marshall and John Mee, of
Lowell Two other improvemonta were patented, in 1854 by Henry
Burt, assignor to the Newark Patent Hosiery Company of Now
Jersey, one being based on an older patent by the same. Improvements
were made in that the following year by John Pepper, Jr., and wore
assigned to the Pranklin Mills, Portsmouth, Sew Hampshire one of the
largest Hosiery Mills at that time in the country, working seven Looms
by steam power and sixty by band, Tlie improvements patented in
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490 IMPOaiANT INVENTIONB BROM 1850 TO 1860.
1854 and 1855, and subsequeot years, by Jonas B. Herrick and Walter
Aikin, of Franklin, New Hampshire, covering some novelties in form
and coastrnctiofl, but more particularly a Deedle latch regulator and
yarn carrier, capable of adjustment to other machinery, thereby obviating
a common defect in them. Another improvement etaimed was for a
hollow circular needle plate, looped regulator, etc., and the improve-
ments rendered the Aiten machine one of the most valuable and
popular of recent invention, being alike adapted to family uao as a
hand or treadle macbine, and to factory purposes as a power-loom.
Operated by power it is capable of knitting from ten to sixty thousand
loops per minute. Aa improvement in machines for knitting ribbed
fabrics was also patented by Joseph Powell, of Waterbury, Con-
necticut, during 1854, in which year another was granted to John H.
Doolittle, assignor to the American Hosiery Compaoy, of Waterbury,
for an improvement to the machine patented m 1851, by Rufus Ellis,
of Boston, who obtained another, in 1855, for needles for knitting
machines. In addition to two patents for rotary knitting machines
in 1856, and one by John Nosniitb, of Lowell, Massachusetts, for
narrowing and widening the fabric, etc., William Goddard, of New
Tork, took out a patent for maDnfacturing seamless hosiery or tubular
knitted fabrics, and William H. McNary, of Brooklyn, for producing
the whole leg and foot by a continuous operation seamless throughout,
the mechaaisra for which was patented in 1860 and 1863. Two patents
for knitting machines, with improvements, were recorded in 1858 by
Joseph K. and Edward E. Kilbourn of Norfolk, Connecticut, and Pitts-
field, Massachusetts, and by others, and James Peatfield of Ipswicb,
Massachusetts, was graated one for the manufacture of seamless knit
gloves, in which the hand, fingers, and thumb were knit separately and
afterward knit together by hand. la addition to patents by the pro-
prietors of the Cohoes factories and others in 1858 and 1859, A. J.
and D. Goffe, of that place, in the latter year took out a patent for
rotary burr presses to circular knitting machines, which was assigned to
Downs & Co., of Seneca Falls, New York. In 1860, ribbed knitting
machines were thesubject of two patents by J. Cbantrell, of Bristoll, Con-
necticut, and one for both plain and ribbed work, using a single presser
bar, was issued to Eli Tiffany, of Thompsonville, Connecticut. Among
the improvements patented ia 1862, was one by J. <5. Wilson, assignor
to Dixon & Larned, of New York, for knitting seamless stockings, and
one by Thomas Langham, of Philadelpliia, for producing a circular
ribbed fabric by a series of self-acting needles, made to operate a part
on the inside and others on the outside. A more recent improvement
on rotary round machines by Mr, Leslie, of Brooklyn, admits of nar-
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BEWINO MACHINES. 491
rowing' tlie web at pleasure, which had not been done previously io that
kind of machine.
Iq Sewing Machines — a mechanical development of the preceding
ten years and altogether of Americaa origin — the progress of invention
has been quite extraordinary. In the nineteen years from the date of
the first patent in 1842 to 1863, the whole number of patents issued
was six hundred and "seven, of which only ten were granted previous
to 1850. The whole number of applications filed was between eight
and nine hundred. Even during the last three years of the period
named, in which invention was cheeked by the war, the number of suc-
cessful applications was upward of fifty annually.
Without reference to the comparative merits of the different inven-
tions or the specific character of the improvements generally, we shall
content ourselves wHh simply indicating in this place the order in
which the most approved machines have been brought forward during
the past twelve or fourteen years.
With the exception of an improvetaent patented in 1849 by Lerow &
Blodgett, the first considerable improvement made in the needle and
shuttle sewing machine of Eliaa Howe, Jr. — who gave us, in 1846, the
first complete automatic macbine for general purposes — was that of
Alien B. Wilson, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1850, in the double
pointed shuttle, making a stitch at each backward and forward move-
ment, which was followed by other improvements by him, as the rota-
ting hook and four motion feed in 1851 and 1852. In 1850 a patent
was also issued to Bartholomy Thimmonier, of France (assignor to
Philip May, of England), in whose behalf, because of a tambouring
machine devised in 1820, claims have been made of originating the
sewing machine prior to that of Howe. Frederick R. Robinson, of
Boston, in the same year, patented a machine adapted to making a
variety of stitches, as lock stitch, plain running or basting stitch, cord-
wainers' stitch, etc., by the use of two needles oi' hooks, one on each
side of the fabric. The short thread used rendered it too slow in op-
eration. In 1851 and 1853, Grover & Baker, of Boston, patented an
improvement which has been the basis of a large number of machines,
making what is called the double loop, or Grover & Baker stitch, with
two threads, which is in some effected by the shuttle, and in others by
the rotating hook of Wheeler & Wilson. In the former year, Isaac M.
Singer, of New York, was granted a patent for a method of lightening
the stitch, and other i*mprovements in the single thread or chain stitch
machine. The Singer machine, being adapted to all kinds of work upon
leather, upholstering, clothing, etc., has been extensively used. It is
characterized by the peculiar feed motion, known as the wheel or con-
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iS2
IMPORTANT INVEtrarONS FROM 1850 TO ]
tmuous feed, and malcee the stitch with a straight needle and the shuttle
movement of Howe. Of thirty-five patents for improvements in sewing
machines granted in 1854, three were to Mr. Singer and one to thelat«
Walter Htmt, of New York, who attempted the construction of a sewing
machine some ten years before the date of Howe's patent, but without
arriving at practical results.' Others were patented by Mr. Singer in
1855, and several— including mechanism for binding hats— in the follow-
ingyear. Improvements were made in 1862 and 1854 by Dr. Otis Avery,
of Pennsykania, and others in 1853 and 1854 by Morey & Johnson, of
Massachusetts, and one by William Lyon, of New Jersey, in the latter
year. Among the numerous accessories which have contributed to the
perfection of sewing machines and its wide range of uses, may be uamed
the guides for binding, patented by 0. G. Boynton, of Massachusetts,
m 1854 ; guides for Lemming and cording, by H. B. Odiorne, of Phila-
delphia, and H. W. Dickinson, of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1856 ;
guides for working button-holes, in 1856, by Otis Avery, and sewin-
guides for hemming, by 8, P. Chapin, of New York, in the same year,
the last mectioned being one of the most important improvements ever
made in sewing machines. In 185S and subsequent years, some useful
modiBeations of the feed motion and other parts of sewing macbinea
were made by J. E. A. Gibbs, of Tirginia, and in 185T, Milton Finkle,
of New York, patented improvements in the single thread machine.
Gathering or plaiting apparatus as an appendage to sewing machines,
(1) Walter Hant, who died reconlly, at for a loaded ball and a melhod of attaohing
the age of 63 yoars, was Doted duriDg a a ball to awooden eortridge hj means of an
panod of more than fortyyeara tor the ao- annular flange nnd reeeas on and in the rear
tivllj of hie inventira powers, and his nu- of the ball, as in the Minie bullet. Both
morons experiments inn Kids range of prao- of the latter were issued in 1850, and as-
tieal art. His earliest patent, we beiie.e, signed to 0. Arrowsmitli and TT. R. Palmer,
was taken out in oonHection with W. Has- In the tatter year, he patented the Sewing
kins, of Martinsburg, New York, for a ma. Maehine, which had engaged his attention
china for spinning flax and hemp, whioh as early as 1834-5, and contained Bome oom-
was Oie nearest approach made ap to that hinations, ae the needle onftvibratinglever,
time to solve the problem of Eipinning flas and the shuttle whioh have been employed
automalioallj. From that time to 1S30, he in later inventions, althongh his flrst ma-
reeorded patents for an alarm for coaches, chine was laid aaldo as impracticable. His
for a aelf-enpplying twisting machine, knife later inventiona ware an improved shici
sharpener, and domeaao guard; a globe collar in 1856, the original, we believe, of
castor; globs or radiator atove; eaw for the paper collar so much used at this tjme;
falling trees ; springs for bolls ; pantaloon patent heals forfcools and shoes, lamps, ate,
straps, veats, eto. ; ioe breaker ; three patenfa etc, Hia enthnalasm aa an inventor wsa
by himself and hia aaaignaea, Aaguatns T. only equalled by his self-saorificing gen.
and George Arrowsmith, for improvement in erosity aa a ft lend, and these qnaliiieB of
to act as Etopyer, cover, etc.; two in JB48 ened circumstanoos.
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IMPROVEMENTS IN ECATS AMD PAPEE-MAKINO. 493
bas lieen the subject of several patents, two of which wern granted to
G. B. Arnold, of New York, in I860. Of the same date with these
were two other patents by Mr. Arnold, for improvements in the manu-
facture of Ruffles, or plaited fabrics, aa a new article of manufactore, pro-
duced both with and without binding or foundation, hj the aid o'f the
Sewing Machine, which has been adapted to almost evorj description
of household and factory work heretofore done by hand. By changes
in the guide mechanism, the several operations of folding, binding,
hemming, cording, felling, braiding, tucking, and working button-holes,
eyelets, overseaming, etc., are accomplished, either separately or sev-
eral of them at once, and the labor of the lingers wonderfully abridged.
Machines for working button-holes have been patented by Messrs.
Goodes and Miller of Philadelphia, and by D. W, G. Humphreys, of
Chelsea, Mass. Guides for sewing welts, were the subject of a patent
granted to H. Folsom, of Massachusetts.
IV. In the manufacture of Hats, several improvements were made,
principally in mechanism and processes for forming, felting, sizing, and
pressing hat bodies— the leading patented improvements being those of
L. B. Hopkins, P. Emmons, D. G. Wells, I. K LaBau, and others of
New York; James S. Taylor, of Danbury, L. W. Boynton, of South
Coventry, and others in Connecticut ; of Andrew Rankin, Isaac Searles,
A. B. Taylor, and Seth Eoyden, of Newark, New Jersey ; of J. Bap-
tiste Laville, of Paris, W. Fuazard, of Cambridgeport, H. L. Sweet, of
Poxhoro, and others in Massachusetts.
V. In the manufacture of Paper, the principal improvements re-
lated to machinery and processes for preparing paper pulp, and par-
ticularly from materials either new or imperfectly utilized before in the
paper manufacture. In addition to the valuable improvements made
in Europe and America within the current century in paper-making
machinery, it has long been the aim of manufacturers of both conti-
nents to extract, by cheap mechanical and chemical means, from various
refuse and crude vegetable substances, at less cost than from cotton and
linen rags, the cellulose or ligniu which constitutes a large proportion
of vegetable fibre, and is the proximate principle upon which the value
of all materials for paper stock mainly depends. In this country, where
the paper manufacture has become a prominent industry, exceeding in
the annual value of its product that; of either Prance or England, and
in the consumption, per capita, both countries together, the subject has
within a few years past become one of much interest, because of the
increasing price and large consumption of paper, and of the fact that
the country has annually imported several million dollars' worth of
rngg and other paper stock. Although it is possible that the experi-
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494 IMPORTANT INVENTIONS FROM 1850 TO 1860.
nicnts now in progress, under a like stiranlus, to produce substitutes for
cotton by the mechanical and chemical treatment of flax, hemp, and
similar fibres, may at least famish new sources of paper material in
the articles known as cottonized or Claussenized flax and hemp, fibrilia,
etc., the attempts to use other materials are nevertheless important.
The flbroos materials which within the last ten or twelve years have
been most saecessfally employed as paper stock, are straw, corn husks,
and several kinds of wood. The manufacture of paper from Straw has
been attempted, with partial success, by different persons in Europe
for more than a century past, and has beea the subject of several
patents in this country since the first was granted to Mr. Magraw, of
Pennsylvania, in 1828. White paper, from straw, was first made to
any ext-ent at Springfield, Mass., in 1849. In 1853, Messrs. Jean T.
Coupler and Marie A. C. Mellier, of Paris, exhibited at the New York
Crystal Palace specimens of paper of good quality made entirely of
straw, by a process which they patented here the same year, and in
1S51 in France, where it was then in practical use. The straw was
cut, washed, and boiled in a solution of caustic soda of the strength
of 2° to 3° Beaume, in close boilers, at a temperature of 310° F.,
and afterward bleacbed with chloride of lime. The inventor, M.
Mellier, tooli out an additional patent in 185T. Improvements on this
mode of treating straw for paper were made in, 1858, by Martin Nixon,
of the Flat Rock Mills, Manayunk, Penn., which furnished the Phila-
delphia Ledger v,iih t]je fir.tt straw printing paper used by the news-
paper press m this couutiy. The improvement consisted in applying
the steam in a continuous automatic shower, and also in boiling the
straw whole, or uncut, liy means of an upward current of steam and
a downward current of the alkaline solution. Improvements were
also made, m 1859, by Palmer & Howland, of Fort Edward, New York,
who patented modifications of the apparatus for making paper pulp,
and also in tbe treatment of straw and other stock, which they boiled
under a high pressure in a strong solution of caustic alkali, producing
a more perfect disintegration of the fibre and a whiter quality of
paper. Patents for the manufacture of paper pulp from straw, grass,
etc., were taken out, in 1860, by Eben. Clemo, of Toronto, Canada, by
treating with nitric acid and an alkaline solution ; and in 1863, by Messrs.
Tait & Holbrooke, of Jersey City and New York, by whom the straw
was cut and then ground between burr-stones, and aftei"ward treated
alternately with caustic alkali, clear water, and acidulous solutions, and
finally bleached. By these and other improvements, as the use of
rotary boilers, etc., the practical difficulties of reducing straw to pulp
have been so far overcome as to warrant tbe organization of one or
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IMPROVEMENTS IN PAPER-MAKING. 495
more large companies for the mannfacture of Straw Papor, which is
now extensively used for printing and other purposes.
The manufacture of Paper from Wood, has been attempted at dif-
ferent times in Europe aad America. It was the subject of a patent
by Messrs. Wooster & Holmes, of Mcadville, Penn., in 1830, and of
two patents in England in 1853, and another in 1854. In tho latter
year, Messrs. Watt and Burgess, of London, took out a patent in the
United States for a process patented in England the year previous, for
making paper from wood shavings, by treating them with caustic alkali,
chlorine, or chlorine and oxygen, weak alkali, etc This patent was
reissued, in 1858, by mesne assignment to William ¥. Ladd, of New
York City, and Morris L. Eeen, of Royer's Ford, Pa. — to whom it
was again reissued in 1863. In the latter year an improved boiler for
niakiog paper pulp was also patented by Mr. Keen, which has been of
great service in the recent methods of treating wood, flax, hemp, and
other fibrous materials. Improvements in preparing wood for paper
pulp were also patented, in 1855, by Milton D. Whipple, of Charles-
towQ, Mass., and by Louis Koeb, of New York, the former consisting in
grinding wooden blocks on the surface of a stone, and the latter in ma-
chinery for separating the fibres without destroying them, by means of
a series of rollers, etc. An improvement in the treatment of paper
stnlf, by which tlie fibres of wood were submitted to the action of
sulphurous acid in a liquid or gaseous form, before they were bleached
by chlorine, was the subject of a patent, in 185T, by Julius A. Iloth,
of Philadelphia. In the following year, Charles Marzoni, of New York,
and Henry Voelter, of Wurtemburg, each took out patents for re-
ducing wood to pulp by mechanical means — the former using a peculiar
stone called " adamantine" in connection with steam and hot water,
and the latter a rotary grinder or millstone as the means of abrasion,
A, S. Lyman, of New York city, the same year patented a novel
mode of separatiog the fibres of wood, flax, and other fibrous
substances, hy charging the mass with hot water, steam, com-
pressed air, or other elastic fluid, in a cylinder, and then projecting
them into the air, as from a gun, when the sudden expansion of the
elastic fluids disrupts the whole mass, which comes down in a shower
of flakes. In 1863, Stephen M. Allen, of Woburn, Mass., recorded a
patent for the manufacture of paper from wood, in which the wood,
cut into suitable lengths, was crushed longitudinally, to preserve the
integrity of its fibres, and after being steeped and washed alternately
in warm water at different temperatures, was boiled, ground, and
bleached. Another method, patented the samo year by P. A. Chad-
bourne, of Williamstown, Mass , produced paper stock from wood by
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490
IMPORTANT INVENTIONS PEOM 1850 TO 1860.
iiieaiis of PBciprooattog rasps, ffles, or scrapGr., kept in contact with
1 potatj log by Ho agency of springs. George E. Sellers, of Har-
dm county, Illinois, later in the year tooli out a patent for preparing
woody libre for paper, by crashing the fibre by pressure vertical to or in
the line of the' «bre, as on the end of a Moct. With these and other
ausdiary means, there seems to be a reasonable prospect that a cheap
•bondant, and onfaiiing supply of material may be foond in the soft
whil» wood of the American linden or basswood, and other species of
Tiha, m the poplar, willow, and various resinous trees of the American
forest.'
The manufacture of Paper from the leaves and husks of Indian corn
which was the subject of a patent by Messrs. Allison A Hawkins of
Burlington, New Jersey, in 1808, and of another by Home, Holland
of WestSeld, Mass., in 1838, appears first to have been reduced to
practice in Germany, through experiments carried on since 1854 A
process patented in Austria, in 1861, was the subject of letters patent
granted In the United States, in 1863, to Dr. Aloyse Chevalier Amer
De Welsbach, of Tienna. The process, which is said to produce paper
of great whiteness, consists in boiling the husks or loaves of mate in
an alkaline solution until the fibre is precipitated, when it is dried and
carded, to bo used in making paper pulp, or as a material for cloth •
While the soluble portion, gluten, etc., forms an article of food similar
to "oil cake." The husks arc said to yield forty per cent, of useful
material, of which nineteen per cent, is paper stock, equal to the host
linen rags, and costing ahoot four cente a pound. The manufacture
under this patent was commenced at CJlinton Mills, Steubenvilie, N. T
Among the other patents for paper stock were the following : Iti 1867
for making paper pulp from boots and other refuse, from ivory and fronj
the bark of the root and stalk of the cotton plant ; two, in 18S8 and
1859, to H. Lowe, ofBaltimore, for making paper from reeds; one in
1858, for making pasteboard and paperfrom leather shavings to A N
Mathieu, of Paris; one, in 1869, to P. Do Campoloto, of'prance^ for
(1) 1, A.p.l, I.6., . .„p„, ., ,.,,. „. „,.„, ., j„| ^,^
TZ Tl T T '"" " "° '•■■ '""• " '■'•' '•" '■*• »■ -i"
»m.r,.„ W.,d P.p., C™,,.,, ■« , biilJlng, „ ,l,„ „J „,> „, ,|„„ .
' m""' To ■*" '" ■'"" '" '" "'*"••" '"""S ."J lb... b,.J,.j'..j ,„, .a,,
million dollnrs, .omui.nwd to .wet, and oo.tS500,000. It io nod.r th. moooK.m.nt
U,, ,;„, ...pl..,d «,d p.. 1. .p.,.„o., 01 Mo,,,.. J„„, * Moo,., ,..I.„d b, Mr.
•t M,..,..l,, on H. Sol.jlHll n.„ Mil,. M.rlln Hi.on, of U,. 11,, Pook Mill, , do
dotphlo, odioiniog (ho railro,d ond cnal, ,n oo.ndont of WiUiom Ritt.nhou.., who „
it,bl.3hm8nt whioh, inolnding the Fl,t eorly a, Ifigo erected,na,r this site, thefirst
Sa.kMiU!hefoi
most estensive Paperworks in theworld. aecount of
They enibraoe about ten aeros of ground and aoolher vol
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IJIPROVEMENTS IN PAPER-MAKING, i9T
making paper from corn cote; to W. J. Cantelo, of PhOadelpbia, in
1863, for making paper, cordage, and textilo fabrics from different spe-
cies of Hibiscus ; one, in 1863, to Stephen M. Allen, of Massachusetts,
for leather paper or " fibrilia leather," made from leather and unrotted
ground flax fibre combined, and another for paper for making paper
collars ; and one, tlie same year, to Henry Pemberton, of Tareutum,
Pa., for paper from sorghum or Chinese sugar-cane. Paper was first
successfully made from sorghum fibre, as early as 1859, by Peinour
& Nixon, at Manayunk, Pa,, where the bagasse or residue, after the
syrap was expressed, when heated by Mr. Nixon's patent process for
straw paper, and with twenty-five per cent of rope added, made a fair
quality of printing paper.
Among other improvements in Paper were those patented by Messrs.
McKenzie & Troehsler, of Boston, in 1859, for water niarkingor stamp-
ing indelible designs ; a process of waterproofing of paper, by J. Mayrho-
fer, of New York, and of treating printing and other papers with Glyce-
rine, by James Brown, of London, within the same year ; improvements
in bank-note and other safety paper, by Henry Hay ward, of Chicago, in
1863, and by J. P. OHer, of Paris, in 1863, the latter tieing made in trip-
licate layers, the middle one having, if desired, a fugitive color or deli-
ble watermark, easily obliterated if tampered with.
Among the improvements in machinery and appliances for Paper-
niaking which were patented, the following may be named, viz. : Paper-
cutting machines, in 1864, and other machiaery, by Nelson Gavit, of
Philadelphia; and in that and the following year, paper-making ma-
chinery rolls and driers, by Obadiah Marland, of Boston ; three patents,
in 1856, to Joseph Kingsland, Jr,, of Franklin, N. J., for machinerv
and processes for grinding paper pulp, and one for paper pnlp engines,
reissued in 1859; machinoiy for mating, and also for pressing the
water from pasteboard, in 1951, by Lewis Koch, of New York ; an
improvement in the Fourdrinier machine, by James Harper, of East
Haven, Conn,, in 1863 ; and in boilers for preparing paper stuff, by
Nixon, Keen, and C, S. Buchanan, of Balston Spa, New York, in 1860.
In the Chemical Arts and Manufactures, the principal improvements
made in the last fifteen years relate to the various methods of
treating hemp, flax, and other fibrous substances as substitutes for
cotton in the manufacture of textile fabrics ; to the manufacture and
purification of coal, lard, and other oils, and petroleum, including Mere-
dith's distillation of coal by hydrogen gas, and the production of new
dyes and other products from the residuum or waste matter left after
refining the latter article ; to the manufacture of paints and pigments
from zinc and other minerals ; to the manufacture of cane, sorghum,
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498
IMPORTANT INVENTIONS FROM 1850 TO 1860.
and otter sugars aad, syrups ; of soap and caudles, friction matches,
illuminating gas, and especially in the treatment and uses of Caoutchouc
and gutta percha.
YII. In Calorific inventions mdudmg stoves, furnaces, grates, eooli-
ing apparatus. Jam ps, veatiht 01 s the pieparation of fuel, etc., there
have been numerous improrcments since 1850. Of stores, ranges,
grates, etc., there have been endless modifications designed to econo-
mize fuel, space, and labor, oi ani^tter other ends of domestic economy
Among the improvers of these aiticlei were tbe following patentees,
most of whom have heen prominont ilso ai manufacturers, viz. : Gard-
ner Chilson, Moses Pond, J. P. Hayes, Q. S. G. Spence, and others in
Boston ; Anson Atwood, S. Pierce, and James McGregor, Jr., of Troy ;
R., D. Granger, W. B. & J. G. Trcadwell, S. T. Savage, James Easterly,
and others in Albany, New York ; Washington Eace, Seneca Palis ;
J. L. Mott, Mott Haven, Now York, one of the oldest as an im-
prover in this branch,^ Loftus Wood, J. Jackson, and others in New
York City ; North, Chase & Tforth, Thomas T. Tasker, Andrew
Mayer, Abbott & Lawrence, Leibrant & McDowell, in Philadelphia,
and many others.
Among the patented improvements in this class, are comprised
1) JordanL. Mott, adeeoenflantof one of
tho fii-at settlors of Long Island, nho has been
known for upward of aquarterofacentury OS
an iQventor andiiianutai!turiir,liM probably
ountrlbuted more than anj man now living
to tlifl early adoption and nearly nniveraol
use of Aabbraqitfl as a fuel, and also tu the
beauty and neatnesa of stores and all other,
iron castings of a household kind. Hie Im-
proTemenla iu stoves aad grates began
almost with tho commenoement of tlie An-
thracite coal trade— his flrat patent haTing
been iasued. We believe, in 18S2— and are
liome DQ the reeonis of the Patent Office in
nearly evei^ year from that time until ho
retired from aotivo bnsinesa, in 185T. His
patents include bare and gratea for stoves—
parlor, cooking, and other stores — furnaoea,
ranges, and flreploces, of a groat variety of
patterns { cast.iron colnmns for buildings;
knobs and handles for stovosi oeeentrio or
pivot chairs ; a process of chilling castings ;
bathing tubs ; car whsets ; flaaka for mould-
ing in all to between thirty and forty, he has
for different things. His improvements
in grates and stoves for burning eoal were
baaed upon the laws which govern combus-
tion, and led to the uas of nut, pea, and
other small sized coal, at a time when the
properties of that kind of fuel were little
nnderstood, by teaobiog that the depth of
the size of tlie coal, aad the volume rf air
used in its combustion. He waa one of the
first to employ the cnpolafamaee for stoves
and other castingfi for domestia use, and by
using romeltad iron, introduced a light,
smooth, a harp cut, and elegant style of stove
plate in plaoe of (he rougb eastings of the
blast fnrnaoe previously used. By studying
thet
ts of irrognlar e^pans
le the tendene,
1 by hea
ig balh ti
ir for 1
was able to
and crack by a obango in the form of the
plates, that ia by panelling, curving, or flut-
ing them. At bis Works at Mott Haven
some of the lightest oaatiEgs over made ic
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IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPS— STEAM-ENGINES, 499
the apparatus for dryiog grain, which, owing to the heavy movements
of the grain crops of the West, has beea in great demand ; also, the
devices for cooldng and heating by gas, and the still more recent 'con-
trivances for supplying Petroleum and its products as generators of
light and heat for domestic purposes, and numerous improvements in
apparatus for burning gas, kerosene, patent burning fluid, and the
various liquid hydrocarbons. The influence exerted upon the latter
class of inventions by the introduction of Petroleum, is seen in the
fact that from March 1, 1862, to December 30, 1863, the number of
applications for patents foi Lamps specially designed for burning it,
numbered six hundred and twenty-three, while in the three years pre-
vious to March, 1S61, the number was only one hundred and ninety-
three. The machinery for breaking, washing, screening, and otherwise
preparing coal for market was also much improved in the same time.
ril. The great activity of every form of productive industry, of travel
and transportation in this country, has stimulated improvements in the
construction of Boilers, and Steam and Gas and Air Engines, and other
appendages, whether for stationary, locomotive, or marine use. The
higher cost of coal in the TJaited States has led to modiflcations of
steam boilers, whereby they have been rendered, if not more durable
at least more economical of fuel than English boilers. By an improve-
ment in 1855, a further saving of fuel was made by the consumption
of the combustible gases, commonly called smoke. Many of these
improvements have been made within the last ten or fifteen years as
well as the introduction of spring gauges, for determining the pressure
of steam in locomotive and other boilers ; and of upward of forty dif-
ferent kinds of these in use, all but two or three, which have also
been improved here, are of American invention. Among the principal
improvers in the Steam-engine and its appurtenances, since 1850,
may be mentioned the following : John Ericsson, of New York, 0. M.'
Stillman. of Connectieut, S. Wilcox, Jr., of Rhode Island, Pli'ilander
Shaw & S H Eoper, of Boston, and others, in Caloric engines ; J. 0. F.
Salomon, Cincinnati, Carbonic Acid and Gasengines; William Mt. Storm,
of Troy, New York, Compressed Air or Gas engine; Loper & Nystrom^
ofPhiladelphia, W. Kennisb, Jr., of New York, and others, in Marine
engines; M. W. Baldwin, of Philadelphia, Ross Winans, Baltimore, and
others, in Locomotives ; Jacob Perkins, London, Joseph Harrison, Jr.,
of Philadelphia, and George H. Corliss, of Rhode Island, and others, in
Boiiers ; R. Montgomery, New York (Corrugated) and other Boilers ;
Horatio Allen, D. G. Wells, P. E. Sickles, New York, Cut-off Valves ;
Edward Ashcroft, Boston, Pressure Gauges ; G. Wei ssen born. New York,
Filtering Apparatus to prevent boiler explosions, and expedients for the
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500 IMPOHTANT INVENTIONS FKOM 1850 TO 1860.
same purpose by Joseph Harrison, Jr., Norman "Wiard, of New York,
and others ; William Baxter, Newark, N. J., Hydro Steam-engine ;
Paul Stillman, New York, G-aa engine ; Joseph Echols, Georgia, "Water
Gauges ; Professor M.VergnQB, of New York, Electro Magnetie engines.
The Steam Pump or Fire engine is also an American invention of the same
period, although it was attempted many years ago hy Mr. Ericsson,
who designed the Braithwaito engine now used in England. It was
first successfully introduced at Cincinnati, in 1852, the constructors
being A. & B, Latta, and the engineer. Miles Greenwood, of that city,
whore the first paid fire department was organized, the samo year,
through the exertions of the latter gentleman. The Steam Fire En-
gine has been sicco improved by Neafie & Levy, of Philadelphia, the
Amoskeag Manufacturing Co., of New Hampshire, and others.
"Vm. In the manufacture of Leather and its ultimate products, which
are interests of great magnitude in the United States, several valuable
improvements have been made within the last fifteen years. Several
of these relate to methods of extracting the tannia from bark, and to
other processes and appliances for quick tanning. Among these
more expeditious modes may be meDtioaed the systflms of L. C. Eng-
land, of Williamsburg and Oswego, N. Y., embracing both handling
and liquor making apparatus, patented in 18iT, 1850, 1855, 1858,
and 1859 ; the tanning process of Professor A. K. Eaton, of Rochester,
N. Y., patented 1852, and involving use of sulphate of potash with
the fanning liquids ; that of Eoswoll Enos, of Woodstock, HI., in
1854, and of Otis B. Wattles, of Waddington, N. Y., in 1855, for tanning
compounds; the method of Abraham Steers, of Medina, N. Y., in
1856, for the manufacture of leather and extracts of bark, whereby it
was claimed that sole leather could be perfectly tanned in four days,
with a great saving of material ; the patents of Samuel W. Pingree, of
Methuen, Mass,, and of E. A. Eliason, of Georgetown, D. C, in 'the
same year, and that of H. G. Johnson, of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1858,
have each attracted considerable attention. Tiie latest invention of this
kind, and one that gives promise of revolutionizing the leather manu-
facture, by reason of its groat expedition and economy of capital and of
material, is that of William H. Towers, of Boston, for which a patent
was- obtained in December, 18n5. By this process, it is said, sheep
and goat skins can be tanned m thirty minutes, calf skins in five days,
and the heaviest sole leather in thirty days, while the product is
deemed superior to that made by other methods.
Many improvements have also been patented in bark mills, in leather
rolling, splitting, skinning, and cutting machines, in shoe pegs, heels,
tips, etc., and in machinery for sewing, pegging, crimping, etc. Among
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IMPROVEMENTS IN LEATHER
these may be named Beardsloy's Patent Bark Mill, Safford's Rolling and
Splitting Machines, and Safford's and Chaae's Skiving Machines; Strat-
tou's, Hill's, Knox & Ditchburn's Sole Pressing and Cutting Machines ;
Baldwin's, Stewart's, aod other Shoe Pegs ; Bates', McKay's, and other
Stitohing Machines, and Gallahues', Qreenough's, Sturtev ant's, Vittum's,
and other Pegging Machines; Mitchell's Patent Metallic Tips ; Dins-
more's Metallic Heels, and those of W. Huat, S. Oliver, and others ;
Lewis's Patent Boot Trees ; various improvements in Lasts ; McClal-
lan's Wooden Sole Boots and Shoes and Erogans.
IX. In the class of Household Furniture and Domestic Implements,
the new articles and the improvements upon old ones patented, are
too numerous to be specified, embracing every description of machine,
utensil, and contrivance which could add to domestic comfort and
economy.
In this wide range of invention were embraced the more important
articles of furniture, such as spring sofas, and other beds and bedsteads,
refrigerators, washing and wringing machines, etc., in which many im-
provements have been made, and also such articles as cans and jars for
preserving fruits, with the methods of sealing and opening tbem ■
hrooma and bruatBa, carpet fasteners, stretchers and sweepers, clothes
dryers and clamps, window shades and fiztures.
X. In the department of the Polite, Fine, and Ornamental Arts, the
improvements patented in the last few years, though valuable in the
aggregate, present few remarkable features. Considerable progress
was made in Photography, Engraving, the founding, setting, and dis-
tributing of Type, Color printing. Bookbinding, and in Musical Instru
raents and notations, etc. Modifications and improvements of Hand,
Power, Lithographic, and other Printing-presses were patented by
eral old improvers, as Danforth, Adams, Hoe, and others more rei
as Jeptha A. Wilkinson, Moses S. Beach, S. P. Ruggles, Jedediah
Morse, W. H. Mitchell, F. O. Degener, G. P. Gordon, P. L. Bailey, and
William Bulloek, assignor to George W. Taylor, of Jfewark N J
The Automatic Paper Feeder and Power-press of the last mentoned
patented in 1858, and since improved, gives promise of becommg one
of the most effective machines in use. It occupies far Lss sp.ife
than the ordinary rotary press, and prints on both sides of a con
tinuous sheet, fed by machinery, and cuts off and piles m regul-ii
heaps, without mannal aid, newspaper sheets the size of the Phila-
delphia Inquirer, at the rate of eighteen thousand to twenty thou-
sand single impressions hourly, requiring the aid of only one pressman
and two assistants.
Type-setting, or composing and distributing machines, single or
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502 IMPORTANT INViSTIONS PEOM 1850 TO 18S0.
(iombinecl, which will probably sooa banish the composing stick, were
patented by Tictor Beaumont, J. J. Koenig, W. W. Houston, W. H.
Mitchell, Timothy Alden, F. W. Gilmer, C. W. Felt, and others. Of
these, Mitchell's, which has been several years in operation in large
printing establishments in Tfew York ; Alden'a, which combines both
operations with remarkable performance, distributing type altogether
automatically, and the machines of Mr. Felt, of Saiem, are probably
the most noted. For the use of newspaper publishers, very naoful ma-
chines for printing the address of subscribers have been patented,
among others, by H. Moeser, Edward P. Day, S. D. Carpenter, and
James Lord, and one by U. W. Wright, in 1865, for feeding up, cut-
P I
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i61
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y
1
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entions of
fp f li
previous to
th m
facturo of
d th mb
since that
tly gm t d
The whole
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mmunition.
pi m t f
including
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1857, did not
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1863, respec-
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h ndred and
ty 18G four hnn-
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the manufacture of Cannon, the improvements actually patent jd in those
years severally were, seven, thirty, forty-three, and thirty-nine, of which
number forty were for loading at the breech. The number of small
arms patented in the same years, was forty-seven, forty-four, seventy-
two, and eighty-one, respectively, and one hundred and ten of the
whole number were for breech-loading arms. Many of the projectors
of improvements did not realize their expectations, but the names of
Colt, Shai'p, Whitney, Allen, Maynard, Spencer, Berdan, and others,
became, by their inventions, well known to the public, and Rifles have
been invented that can be loaded and fired by practiced hands thirty
times in a minute. In the construction and manufactui'e of Cannon and
heavy ordnanco, manyimprovoments were patented, of which the most
important were those of Parrott, Rodman, Wiard, and Ames.
In the late war, the Parrott rifled guna and projectiles, both in tlie
land and naval service, performed a conspicuous part, nearly three
thousand of these guns, ranging in calibre from three to tea inches, and
ia weight of ball from ten to three hundred pounds, having been or-
i.Google
B DAHLflSEN GONS 505
dered by the Government, and made at the West Poiot Foundry.
The first gnu on this principle, the essential feature of which is the re-
inforcing or strengthening the hreeoh of a cast-iron gua by shriuliing
upon it a wrought-iron jacijet or hand, having a definite strength
and position proportioned to the size of a gun, was made in 1860,
and patented in October, 1861. During that year Mr. Parrott also
received two patents for projectiles for Rifled Cannon, which were de-
signed as an accompaniment of the guns, to the neglect in using
which he in great part ascribes the bursting of several of the largo
Parrott guns at Fort Fishor, by the premature explosion of shells
within the guns. Later, in the same year, he tool; out another for an
improved mode of applying fuses to shells, whereby they became either
time or percussion fuses. These projectiles have been successfully
used of the weight of aix hundred pounds. An additional patent for
an improvement in hooped ordnance, was granted Mr. Parrott in 1862,
by which time he began to construct, in the same way, rifled cannon of
eight inch calibre, or two hundred pounders, which were moanted at
Yorktown, and commended themselves to the approbation of American
and foreign artillerists by their performance, as those of less calibre
had done before. Two ten inch three hundred pounders, afterward
constructed, were disabled from the cause above named, but of other
sizes, as thirty pounders and upward, and of the projectiles, the value
was abundantly tested in the bombard meats of Ports Sumter, Macon,
Pulaski, and the shelling of Charleston, where they were eiiiefly used
as siege guns, often at a distance of four thousand yards and upward.
Parrott rifled guna of large calibre are used upon United States naval
vessels, being able to throw projectiles with greater accuracy and to a
greater distance than smooth bore guns. To prevent the bursting of
shells within the bore, by friction of the powder within them, on the
discharge of the gun, Mr. Parrott successfully adopted the plan of coat-
ing the interior walla of the shell with a lacker or varnish of rosin, tal-
low, and brown soap melted together.
The Hodman gun, while having in some respects a peculiar form, is
chiefly distinguished for the mode of manufacture proposed by Lieu-
tenant Rodman, while superintending the casting of eight inch cannon
for the United States Government at the Fort Pitt Foundry, in 18i5,
and, after satisfactoiy tests, adopted by the War Department, in
the casting of all heavy ordnance. It consists in making the
casting around a boUow core or core-barrel, as it is termed, into
which is introduced a copious stream of cold water, while the outside
is kept healed, until the masa of metal is cooled from the interior. This
mode of cooling is thought to possess two advantages over the old one
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504
IMPOETAJJT INVENTIONS FROM 3850 TO I860.
of casting solid and then boring out; firet, in reversing the strain on
the metal, maliing it less liable to burst; and, secondly, ia giving
greater hardness to the internal surface of the gun, making it less liable
to abrasion by the friction of the projectile, and the action of the gases
generated by the burning powder. It has been deemed the only effec-
tive way of making cast-iron guns of large calibre.
The gun of Rear-Admiral Dahlgren is distinguished principally by
its exterior form. To obviate the contraction consequent on cooling
a solid casting of large size from the outside, his eastings were made
considerably larger than required when finished, and, after cooling,
were annealed and turned down to the proper size and shape. The
Dahlgren and Rodman guns were generally smooth bore, though some
Jarge ones were rifled. Heavy cast-iron rifled ordnance, however, made
by any of these modes, has by no means proved a success, the ordinary
tests of the proving ground falling short of that to which guns are
subjected by rapid and continued firing in battle, where many of them
have burst, with disastrous and mortifying results.
The Steel Rifled Cannon is altogether a product of the late war. It
was invented and patented by Mr. Norman Wiard, of the TreiltOD Wiard
Ordnance Works, whose coatribotions in guns, and materials of war
manufactured by him, amonnted to four and a half millions of dollars,
and the cost of experiments on guns to four hundred thousand dollars
of bis own means, directly expended. Long and favorably known
throughout the western country before the war as an intelligent and
practical machinist, he at the very commeneemont of the war turned his
engineering abilities and experience as a manufacturer to the service of
his country, in the invention and constmction of ordnance and other ma-
terials of war. As early as May, 1861, be contracted with General D. E.
Sickles to furnish three batteries of steel rifled guns for the Excelsior
Brigade, which, with the carriages, implements, stores, etc., were com-
pleted, inspected, and ready for service on the 4th of July. They were
the first steel guns ever made ill the United States, and wero from orig-
inal designs by Mr. Wiard, who endeavored to discover and avoid the
causes of frequent failure in heavy ordnance. He succeeded in pro-
ducing guns unrivalled in precision and range, if not also in their powers
of endurance. The carriages for these guns were also of new design by
the manufacturer, and were the first ever built expressly adapted for
rifled cannon, being constructed to give the gun its utmost range with-
out a special adjustment of the carriage. The superiority of these
guns as field artillery will not probably be questioned. Mr. Wiard soon
after began to construct heavy steel rifled guns for the navy. The
blocks oF steel from winch some of those were made in 1861, weighed
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WIARD'S GTJNS~THE AMES GTJK. 505
eight thousand pouods each, heing the largest masses of steel, it is
believed, over made up to that time. Although the steel was of su-
perior quality, and the strength of the guns fourfold that of cast-iron
cannon of the same calibre, three of them, made from Government pat-
terns, afterward exploded on the ninth round, after rapid firing in cold
weather. Mr. Wiard's metallurgie experience at once suggested the
cause, ftud the remedy, which was a very simple one, to counteract the
effects of unequal expansion, hat his proposal was not entertained by
the Ordnance Department, and his offer to construct new guns de-
signed to obviate the effects of rapid firing upon all heavy ordnance
met with the same fate. Having, by a series of costly experiments,
satisfiedhimself of the correctness of his theory, which had long em-
ployed his research in connection with steam boiler explosions, Mr.
Wiard has given to the world, in diflerent forms of publications, the
result of his investigations, which may be profitably studied by scien-
tific and practical men, in relation to this important and still mooted
question. In 1862, Mr. Wiard supplied, of his own manufacture, the
entire armament, guns, ordnance stores, and equipments of the expedi-
tion commanded by General Buriiside, to wliose entire satisfaction it was
fitted out. About the same time he was conimiaaioned to finish a large
number of seven and a half inch one hundred and fifty pounder riSed
guns, of the Dahlgren pattern, from blocks cast at West Point and Pitts-
burg, weighing twenty-three thousand pounds each, in the rough.
But the order was suspended by the bursting of most of them in re-
markable confirmation of his repeated predictions and representations
to the Government, as to the defective principle on which, in common
with other large guns, they were constructed. This defect in the sys-
tem of making heavy ordnance as well as the remedy Mr. Wiard claims
to have been the first to discover, and he complains that either from
interested motives or an undue attachment to eifete methods with great
detriment to the pubhc service, he has not been permitted to bring into
practical use a better plan. By arrangement with the Secretary of the
Navy, a large navy gun was constructed in 1864, at a cost of eighty
thousand dollars, which has ever since been awaiting at the Works in
Trenton, an order for its trial, while the Governnienf; is selling for old
iron, at a hundredth part of their cost, the old guns and substituting
none in their place. In view of the general failure of heavy ordnance,
and of Mr. Wiard's large experience and great facilities for manufac-
turing both rifled and smooth bore guns of the largest size, it might
have been expected, that his best and most practical proposals for turn-
ing to account the vast amount of the best material accumulated in the
Government arsenals and navy yards as worthless guns, would have
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5'JC IMPOKTANT INVENTIONS FaOM 1850 TO 1860.
Ijeen accorded a measure of the patronage so long and liberally bestowed
upon other patentees.
The Wrougbt-iron Quo, invented and patented by Horatio Ames, of
Falls Village, Conn., in May, 18S4, is the latest invention of the kind ;
and althougli but few of these havo been manufactured as yet, they are
said to have successfully withstood every test that has been applied to
them. In the opinion of a Board appointed to test one of aevec
iaeh calibre, they "possess to a degree never before equalled by any
cannoR of equal weight offered to our service the essential qualities of
lateral and longitudinal strength and great powers of endurance under
heavy charges ; that they arc not liable to burst explosively, and with-
out warning, even when fired under very high charges, and that they
are well adapted to the wants of the service generally, but especially
whenever long ranges and high velocities are required."
XII. In the class of Medical and Surgical Instruments, many
novelties and some useful improvements have been introduced under
letters patent within the last twelve or fifteen years, particularly in the
departments of Mechanical Dentistry, and in surgical appliances for
treating bodily injuries and deformities, as in Artificial Limbs and Eyes,
Splints, Crutches, Trusses, etc. The recent war has furnished mel-
ancholy occasion and scope for the exercise of ing^enuity, both of an
interested and benevolent character, in relieving the numerous forms
of human suffering induced by its casualties, although but a small por-
tion of the fruits are seen upon the records of the Patent Office. tTnder
the stimulus thus given, patents are still daily multiplied for devices
tending to the relief of those permanently disabled by the war. Hos-
pital Beds and Bedsteads, Ambulances, Litters, Stretchers, Hospital
Knapsacks, Medicine Panniers, Medicine Chests, Field Companions,
Instrument Cases, Tourniquets, Fracture Apparatus, Bandages, Plas-
ters, and other mechanical appliances and dressings. Coffins and Burial
Cases, formed but a part of the numerous articles invented, improved,
or modified to adipt them to the peculiar exigencies of the servico.
A valuabL } m t h i made in the manufacture of many
articles in th 1 1 y th mpl yment of vulcanized or hard Rubber,
and Gutta P h m t 1 for the handles of instruments, for
Syringes, jl t t ! a base for Artificial Teeth, Obturator
Plates, etc t
In the cl f A le th t ral important discoveries have been
made, of wh hp 1 blyth m t aluable is that of the Nitrous Oxide
Gas, becau f f ty d f dom from the disagreeable sensafior.a
that attend the administration of chloroform and ether. The discovery
of its ansesthetie properties was made accidentally, in 1844, by Dr.
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NITROUS OXIDE GAB — COMBS — COLLARS. SOT
Wells, of New HavoD, wlio was led to investigate the subject from the
fact that a young man, who had been injured at a public exhibition
while under its influence, denied that he was at all hurt. Experiments
were made in the estraction of teeth, but it was not until recently,
through the agency of Dr. Colton, of New York, that it« real value be-
came fully known. More than ten thousand patients have had teeth
extracted since 1863 under its infiuence, without pain, and several capi-
tal operations in surgery have been performed — among others, one for
the removal of cancer, in which the insensibility was continued for
fifteen minutes, with entire success.
XTII. The manufacture of Wearing Apparel, and articles for the
Toilet, as branches of trade, have been immensely increased since 1850,
and have undergone many changes in form and direction, as well by
the introduction of new materials and new articles, as by reason of
the many instruments and devices, small and great, for saving labor,
and adapting the products to the comfort, convenience, and tastes of
the community.
The manufacture of Combs, whether made of metal, horn, shell,
ivory, wood, or hard rubber, now so extensively employed, has been
greatly improved by new macbinery for shaping, preeeing, sizing, cut-
ting the teeth, and finishing generally, by automatic processes, and
with remarkable precision and rapidity. For making Buttons of every
material and style, as well as Button-holes and Eyelets, Stnds, Links,
Buckles, Clasps, Hooks and Eyes, Suspenders, and other fastenings
of garments, many improvements have been patented, chiefly by citi-
zens of Connecticut and Massachusetts. In the making-up, of every
description, the Sewing Machine has effected quite a revolution, par-
ticularly in the production of Shirts, Shirt Fronts and Collars, Ladies'
Collars and Cuffs, Hoop Skirts, and undergarments of all kinds. Linen
Coats, Blouses, children's wear, which, with nearly every other article
of wearing apparel, are now chiefly made by these machines. The
manufacturers of one Sewing Machine, elsewhere referred to, which is
probably the most extensively used for this purpose, have sold no less
than two hundred thousand machines, each of which is estimated, by
the proprietors of shirt front and collar manufactories employing from
thirty to seventy-five machines each, to save the labor of ten persons.
Counting their wages at five dollars a week, the annual saving effected
by the machines, made under a single patent, would amount to one
hundred millions of dollars.
The highly original and fertile mind which gave the world the first
crude conception of this Sewing Machine, also furnished the germ of
another American invention, which has already laid the foundation of
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508 IMPORTANT INVENTIONS mOM 1850 TO I860.
a large and growing trade. We allude to the Paper Shfrfc Collar, in-
vented by the late Walter Hunt, of New York, and patented by him
July 25th, 1854. The fabric of which this inexpensive and popular
article was made, was composed of two pieces of white pap«r, with
oae of thin muslin between them, pressed together, and siibsequeotly
polished by enamelling or burnishing. As a new article of manufae-
tuve, however, the Paper Collar business first became a successful en-
terprise in the hands of W. E. Lockwood, of Philadelphia, to w^om
the reissued patents were assigned. About the year 1858, he com-
menced the manufacture in Philadelphia by steam power, and soon
after applied the same method to the production of Ladies' Collars and
Cuffs, for which he took out letters patent in 1859. In February, ] 8QS,
John F. Schuyler patented an improved apparatus for bending aud
folding Paper Collars, and assigned the same to Mr. Lockwood, who
has since patented other improvements in the machinery. In April
and June, 1863, Solomon S. Gray, of Boston, was granted patents for
an article now estensivelj manufactured and sold as Gray's Patent
Moulded Collars, for which the fine white paper is cut out of a flat
strip of paper and then struck up with dies, or pressed into the desired
form— an operation originally effected by a single moulding machioe,
but aow better accomplished by several operations. The inventor has re-
ceived some eight patents on collars and machines, in this country and
in Europe, whither the ageuts have been sent with American machines
and workmen, to establish manufactories in England, France, and Bel-
gium. In addition to those already mentioned, the following, among
others, have taken out patents for machinery for making Paper Col-
lars, etc., namely; Henry Howson, of Philadelphia, Thos. McSpedon,
Emil Vossnack, and D, M. Smyth, of New York City, and S, Sheperd
and Ammi George, of Nashua, N. H. ; while Charles Spofford and Yalen-
tine Fogerty, of Boston, have received patents for converting the ends
of paper collars into an artificial Neck Tie ; James H. Hoffman of
New York, for Turned-down Enamelled Paper Collars ; G. F. Bige-
low, of Chicago, for Collars of the same description, made of one or
two pieces of enamelled card-board ; Charles K. Brown, of Troy, New
York, for strengthening the Button-holes, and other parts subject to
strain, by pieces of muslin ; G. K- Snow, of Watertown, Mass. for a
Paper Collar Packing Envelope, and also for Dies for Cutting Paper
Collars; Paul C. Shaw, of Marlboro, Mass., for Paper Collar made
with an imitation of a Cravat printed or formed on it. The manufac-
ture of Paper Collars and Cuffs, etc., under different patents now
employs over thirty establishments, in which the hands are principally
young females, who make each about eighteen hundred collars per
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COLLABS— BOOTS AND SHOES. 509
day by machiaeiy. la April, 1863, Julius A. Pease, of New York
city, obtained a patent for a Shirt Collar made of Oaoutcliouc, or India-
rubber; and another, in June of the same year, for a Collar made by
covering a metal frame with water-proof enamelled cloth or other ma-
terial.' The American Steel Collar was patented in April, 1864 ; and
in September, 1865, two pateuts were granted to Louis Billon, of
Brooklyn, Sew York, for Metallic Collara and Metallic Shirt Bosoms.
Seamless Felt Wearing Apparel was the subject of a patent issued
to Samuel M. Perkins, of Springfield, Pa., in 1853 ; and other patents
for Seamless garments have since been obtained.
The improvements made in the manufacture of Boots and Sboes
within a few years past, by the introduction of machinery, have been
sufficiently numerous and important to mark an era in the history of the
trade, and have probably not been surpassed in their aggregate value by
tb th b h f m f t M In this as in ove y other
d p tra t f th 3 th g t d th punoip-il agencv bis been the
S M h p t d )j t p wcr That an ] othci hi or
g m h f tt t th Is heels and iippeis foi peg
g: 1 h g 1 th 1 t e now driven by the exhaust
1 gy f t Tvh lyth t e sjstem of manufactuie hia
b p ] t lly i t ff t ilj olutwnized Then use has
I tly b ght b t t f f the work frora small shop-^ to
1 g f t It 1 gh whith all parts of the manutac
t d d tl m f each floor being devoted to a
p t p -t f th k wl I nducted in a miinei sim lar
t th f t . y t f th , anl of oui kige tottjn cen
tres. In pegged work, which forms the bulk of the manufactuie every
operation, except fitting the shoe to the last even to the pol "h ng and
cutting the pegs from the inside, is done bj machmeij, anl the peg
ging machine has been so perfected as to cut the pegs from a strip of
wood, punch the holes, and drive the pegs at a single operation. A ma-
chine will peg a ladies' shoe in seven seconds after the work is placed
in the machine. It will average one thousand pairs of such shoes a day,
and from four hundred to five hundred pairs of shoes with double rows
of pe^ in the same time. Though usually of wood, hard rubber has also
been used for making shoe pegs, and more recently raw hide, whicb is
said to render the pegged shoe very elastic. But as the cost of stitch-
ing and binding the uppers of boots and shoes of the better quality is
(1) The same inventor has recently pn- thnt goo^, durable hnto, of various cdora,
tcQtodaprocesa fur making Hats from pBpor and n-nler-proof, can be made for fivB cents
pulp, and a jompanj ia beiug organiEed in eaoh. A mnchino will molio ail hundred
Luaton for their manufaQlure. It ia ataloJ a day.
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510 IMPORTANT INVENTIONS EHOJI 1850 TO 1860.
greater tlian ttat of bottoming, but little ecnnoray was found in the use
of machinery for the latter purpose until the introduction of Sewing
Machines. Several machines have beea designed or found to be adapted
to stitching leather. It is reported that a large company ia about be-
ing organized in Boston for the manufacture of a Shoe Sewing Machine
that will sew a shoe in about twelve seconds. A manufacturer, io Octo-
ber, 1865, sewed on one of these machines ten thousand nine hundred and
twenty-five pairs, an average of four hundred and twenty pairs per
day, and another stitched eight thousand nine hundred and twenty-
eight paii-s. Not only are shoes quickly and cheaply made by ma-
chinery, but they are better made than by hand. It has been attested
that army shoes made by machinery lasted eight months, while hand
made shoes did not last more than a month. The soles of the former
wel'e sowed with dozens of rows, and were necessarily much more
durable. Sewed shoes could now be sold at the same price as pegged,
if the same quality of leather were used.
Among inventions of a miscellaneous character, we have had,
siuce 1850, improved machines for manufacturlDg raw hide and other
whips ; for cutting corks ; for splitting horn and shell, and the manu-
facture of articles from the same ; machines for making paper bags and
paper boxes; for attaching hooks aud eyes and pins to cards and
papers; for manufacturing slate pencils ; for making sand paper; for
leathering tacks ; for making cigars. Patents have been filed for ex-
ploding and other harpoons; for processes for making artificial ice ; for
annunciators for hotels; electro-magnetic annunciators for houses;
for forming screw necks and stoppers for glass bottles, jars, etc. ; for
aquaria; for attachingletter boxes to lamp posts ; for magnetic and other
alarm bells, and for various descriptions of burglars' alarms, alarm
clorks, and sash balances, alarm prisons, etc. ; for fire escapes, bottle
fastenings, billiard tables, balls, cushions, etci; animal traps, fish traps,
and machines for recording and counting the votes or yeas and nays in
Legislative assemblies, etc.
Of all these, probably the most ingenious and astonishing are the
machines invented by Chauncy 0. Crosby, of New Haven, for making
Fish-hooks and Sewing Needles, Which convert the raw wire into the
finished article at the rate of one hundred and fifty per minute — a feat
never before accomplished in this or any other country.
Indeed, the fertility of American genius, at once speculative and prac-
tical in its operations, has left no field of inventive enterprise unculti-
vated. Following closely the lead of scientific research, with every
new development of the laws of the physical world, and every unfold-
ing of the treasures in the vast storehouse of nature's material r
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CONCLUDING REMARKS. 511
the inventive AQiericaa stands Vuady to auppleaieut the ne ikiK'is of the
corporeal man with the powerful combiniUyiis ot bia miud Thus the
material elements and occult forces of natuie are all BubdueJ to the
service of man, and through the energy of his biaia and the cunning of
his hand, as displayed not less in the broact field of it'i manufactures,
than in eveiy other form of national art and industry the American
boa contributed to the intellectual, moral, and physical impiovement
and happiness of mankind.
We have thus endeavored to trace the giowth of Ameiican mauiofic-
tures and invention fromthoir infancy, thiough the stages of a develop-
ment unparalleled in the history of any other natinn In the liberty of
unrestricted exercise ; in the breadth of the field to be cultivated ; in
the fertility and elasticity of resources, mental and material, as well as
in the magnitude of the accomplished results, these great elements of
national prosperity now hold a position in few respects inferior, and in
most superior, to that attained among any other people. The pro-
gress of the country iu population, and in its commercial, social, and
intellectual condition, within the short period covered by this review,
has ind<-ed been marvellous. But the growth of its productive industry,
particularly of its manufactures and the evolution of the inventive
genius of the country, which has received prominent notice in the
foregoing pages, has been still more rapid and astonishing since its
emergence from the colonial condition. In recording the leading phe-
nomena of this progress, we have sought to do little more than marshal!
the facts in their consecutive order and dependent relatioDS, without
seeking in disputed principles or theories of political philosophy for the
secret of its advance or retardation. The potent causes of the indus-
trial prosperity of these States we apprehend lie near the surface, and
are to be found in the freedom of American Institutions generally, in
the abundance of the natural resources of the country, and a blending
in the composite national character of the best practical elements of the
several nationalities represented by its population, and less than in
most other countries to the fostering care of the Government, althoagh
in a moderate degree the latter cause has not been wanting in the legis-
lation of the federal and local assembiiea. Our pages, however, reflect
but imperfectly the variety and extent of an industry, the wonderful ac-
tivity of which has been felt in every department of the national life,
and has raadeits impression upon the social and industrial economy of
the world.
In the three fourths of a century that have passed since the United
States became one in the family of nations, extraordinary discoveries
have been made in physical and mechanical science. Tliese discoveries
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CONCLUDING REMARKa
Lave been speedily applied to the practical uses of mankind. In tliis
work American geniua and energy, though checked by the retarding
influences of three foreign and aoniostic wai-g, has perforoied its full
share. Tbeyhavesuboi-dinatedthetirelessenergyof Steam tomoreexten-
sive and varied uses than any other people, including the grand triumph
of ocean navigation. I'hey have tanght the nations of the earth how
to control the subtle energy of the lightning's flash, and from remotest
distances to exchange from the pulsating fingers of the el octro- magnet
currents of thought and intelligenee almost as quickly as they are con-
ceived. Even while we write, American genius and pei-severance in
schemes of practical utility— after having furnished the world with many
of its most effective instruments, reticulated the country with lines of
Telegraph, and given a wider practical scope to telegraphy, in the fire
and police alarm, in the announcement of approaching storms, and in
other ways— is busy in consummating the moat signal triumph at present
anticipated, that of forging the ocean clasp which will belt the whole
earth with a girdle more potent and sensational than the fabled cestus
of the poets.
In the art of modifying the curious native properties of Caontchoue
and Uutta Porcha, and of moulding their plastic elements into a 1
sand forms of beauty and utility, whether hard or soft, smooth or
rugated, rigid or elastic, American ingenuity and patient experiment
^—■i never been excelled, and the whole world participates in the
Petroleum, as a natural product, has been known, and to so
extent utilized, for centuries in other parte of the world. It was
served, however, for American enterprise to show that there exists
various depths and in widely distant places, almost exhaustless 're-
servoirs of a substance which, either in its crude state or elaborated by
the technical chemist, has within a very short period become one of ex-
tensive commercial importance in the arts, as a lubricator, a generator
of light and heat, and a source of new and beautiful dyes. It has
thus become one of the most valuable and productive of material re-
sources.
The extent and variety of American Mechanical skill are very im-
perfectly seen in such prominent inventions as the Power, Carpet and
Stocking looms ; in the Rotary Power Printing-press; the Automatic
Type Setter and Distributor ; in the Steam Firo Kngines ; in the Mow-
ing, Reaping, aad Threshing machines ; the Sewing Machine, with all
its various applications by hand or steam power, and the other promi-
nent inventions noticed in the foregoing pages. The multitude of
— """r improvements, often unrecorded and unregarded by the public
minor i
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eye, which go to make up the aggregate of the mechameal forces of
the nation, and to swell the amount of its production, are an important
element in the general prosperity, but are too numerous or elusive to
arrest even the ej-es of the annalist. Since our labors were begun the
progress of the nation in its productive capacities and its mechanical
inventions has been going on with an accelerated speed, baffling every
effort to follow its protean changes. Notwithstanding the fact that a
terrible civil war has projected its baleful shadow across the shining
pathway of the nation-diverting from the arts of peace much of the
strength and genius of the people— the inventive talents of the country
have suffered little more than a temporary check, and are now more
active thaa ever before. It will ever remain as a monument of the
patriotism, enterprise, and skill of American manufacturers, inventors,
and artisans, that the equipment of the vast land and naval armaments
of the loyal States, and the enormous consumption of the war in
materials and supplies of every kind, were mainly supplied from the
workshops of the country. The prompt conversion of its manufacturing
establishments in many instances to new uses, according to the de-
mma of the hour, and their speedy restoration since the war to their
former purposes, show the flexibility of American industry, as the
prosperous emergence of the manufacturing classes from the great
contest shows its vitality, and affords the strongest assurance of its
permanence and future grandeur.
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11^ D E X
EEPRESENTATIVE MANUEACTUREHS.
Hon. Nathan Appletos, Soston, Mass.
This eminent Merchant and Manufacturer was born in New Ips-
wich, New Hampshire, in 1179. He entered Dartmouth College in
1T94, but left before graduating, to engage in a mercauHle business in
Boston, with his brother Samuel, establishing the firm of S. & N.
Appletou, which for many years occupied a loading position among
the firms of that commercial city.
His attention and means were early directed to fostering the growth
of domestic manufactures, and he was one of the original proprietors
of the Waltham Cotton Manufactory, elsewhere alluded to, where the
Fower-Loom was first put in operation in this country, iu 1815. Tbe
success of this establishment, more than any thing else, gave an impe-
tus to the manufacture of cotton goods, and led to the purchase of the
site of Lowell, and the erection of the Hamilton Company's Mills, and
other large manufactories. His connection with the early manufac-
tories of the country have been already so frequently alluded to in this
volume, that more need not be said on the subject in this place.
In 1830, ho was elected to Congress as a Representative of the
district of Lowell, and again in 1842, where he discharged his duties
satisfactorily to his constituents, and with advantage to the nation.
He died July 14th, 1801, bequeathing to his relatives a large for-
tune and an honorable name.
Samuel Batchelder, Soston.
The life of this venerable Manufacturer covers the whole period of
our national history since the adoption of the Federal Constitution.
He was born in the town of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, in 1784; but his
youth was passed in New Ipswich, in the same State, whither his
parents removed within a few weeks after his birth. In early life he
evinced decidedly literary tastes, contributing to the "Portfolio," then a
leading periodical published in Philadelphia, and this habit of extensive
reading has been preserved, notwithstanding the distractions incident
to an active business career; and lately he has given to the world a
(514)
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BAMUEL SAICHELDEB, BOSVON. 616
small but exeelleat Treatise on the History of tbe Cotton Manufacture
in the United States.
His connection with Cotton maaufacturing dates from 1808, when he
became intereBted in a factory at New Ipswich, elsewhere referred to
in tills volume, and which was the second establisbed in the State of
Hew Hampshire. The first mill built in the State was in 1804, with
less than five hundred spindles ; and it is said that its proprietors felt
a degree of hostility against those who erected a second mill, with
about the same number of spindles, from apprehension that they would
" overdo the business." The erection of these mills attracted to the
place a number of Yorkshire weavers and Scotch manufacturers, whom
Mr. Batchelder employed in the manufacture of checks and tickings,
and other articles, by hand-looms. He continued in this business until
1825, when Mr. Nathan Appleton, and other capitalists interested in
Lowell, induced him to remove thither and superintend the erection
of the Hamilton Manufacturing Company's Mills, which, from the founda-
tion to their final completion, were built under his supervision. He
remained in Lowell until 1831, when he removed to Saeo, Maine, to
undertake the erection of a Cotton Mill for the York Manufacturing
Company, and eaperinteniJ its operations. Under his management this
Company became very successful. Three additional mills were built,
and tbe capital increased to a million of dollars. In 1846, Mr. Batch-
elder removed to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he has ever since
resided, and of which city be was elected Representative in the Legis-
lature of Massachusetts.
Within this period of time Mr. Batchelder contributed to the Cotton
manufacturing interest several important inventions. In 1833 or 1834
he invented and applied tbe first stop motion to the Drawing Frame,
which was afterward patented in England, where it has since been in
general use, as well as in this country. Iri 1835 be invented the steam
cylinders and connections, now almost universally used in dressing
frames for drying yarns. Bat probably his greatest invention was the
Dynamometer, for ascertaining the power for driving machinery, and
first used in tbe York Mills in 1837. This machine was awarded
medals by Fairs and Institutes in this country, and described in scien-
tific journals in Scotland and Germany, where it was pronounced
preferable to any known apparatus for ascertaining the power actually
used in driving machinery.
Mr. Batchelder, though be has attained the patriarchal age of
eighty-two, is still discharging tbe duties of Treasurer of the York
Mills at Saco, and the Everett Mills at Lawrence. Few men at his
age equal him in mental and physical activity, and none can present a
brighter record of those moral qualities that adorn manhood.
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) JEFFERSON EORDEM.
Eiehard Borden and Jefferson Borden,
Who are called the " Fathers of Pall River," are natives of that town,
■which has grown during their lifetime, and largely by their enterprise,
from a mere hamlet to hecotne a groat manafacturing city. They are
sons of Thomas Borden, a farmer and a miller, and ia their youth they
aided him in these pursuits. Fall River, on which the town of the
same name ia located, is a remarkable stream, having a descent of one
hundred and thirty feet in leas than half a mile, and for the greater part
of its length is confiaed between high granito banks. The water
power, therefore, has nearly all to be occupied between these banks,
and the wheels upon which it is brought to act are placed directly in
the bed of the river. It is also a characteristic of this river that while
it affords an almost uniform and constant supply of water it is never
subject to excess, and therefore no injury or inconvenience has ever
been experienced from so peculiar a location of the mills. Nearly all
the water power and the real estate on which the principal manafac-
tories are now located were owned bj the Borden family since the
beginning of the last century. The site on which the Fall River Manu-
factory was erected, in 1815, was originally a mill site, inherited by
Thomas Borden from his father, Richard Borden, and the same course
of descent applies to the real estate and water power on which was
erected the Fall River Iron-works in 1831, the Annawan Manufactoryin
1825, the American Print Works ia 1834, and the Metacomet Mill in 1846.
All of these are now large and prosperous corporations, and owe their
snccoss in no small degree to thd sagacious management of Richard
and Jefferson Borden, who wero copartners in the original purchase
and supervised their establishment.
Richard Borden was born April 12th, 1195, and has been more espe-
cially identified with the Fall River Iron-works Company, of which he
IS now 'Irea^urer The success of this Company, which has now a
capital of 1 million of dollars, has been the foundation of their prosper-
ity in furni&hing the original capital which has enabled the brothers to
extend their enterprises until they have attained gigantic proportions.
JeffcTbon Borden was born February 28th, 1801, and has directed his
attention especially to the manufacture of Textile Fabrics. He is now
Tieasurer of the American Print Works, organized ia 1834, which has
a capacity foi punting fifteen thousand pieces per week of forty-five
yards each or thirty-five million one hundred thousand yards annually.
Its capital is |500,000. See Manufactures of Fall Biver, Vol III.
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;. I. DU PONT, WILMINGTON, DEL.
Eieuthere Irenee Du Pont, Wilmington, Del.,
Was the founder of the immense Works diatinguislicd as tho "Braii-
dywine Powder Works," near Wilmington, Delaware. He was a
native of France, and emigrat«d to tlie United States in the fall of
l'!99, landing at Newport, Rhode Island, on January lat, 1800.
Having noticed the poor qnality of the Gunpowder then being made
in America, be reeoiyed to engage in its manufacture, of which he ijad
some knowledge, having beea a pupil of the celebrated French chemist
Lavoisier, who Lad charge of the "Bureau de Poiidres et SaJpetres,"
under the French Gfovernment.
After some time speut in selecting a location, Mr. DuPont estab-
lished himself on the Brandywine creek, about four miles above the
town of Wilmington, in the State of Delaware, where he prosecuted
the business with such success, that at the time of his decease, at tbe
United States Hotel, in Philadelphia in 1834 hi? establishmeat was
the moat extent, ve of is k nd q th s country as it now s prol iblv in
the wo Id
S nee the decease of tl e fo nder the bu& cess 1 as 1 eon n anaged by
h 5 sons «iol e andsons vho ma aU n the old ft m tyle t F I. Du
Pont de Ne nnu s &. Co The Works ot the f m o n^ e fi e com-
plete man facto e=i four of them on the Bran Ij v ne ad one i Lu-
zerne county Ienn«ylvacia where Blastmg Po de for coll e s' use,
s largely male
The o g ual Works on the B andyw ne commen ed ope at ons in
180" anlhaveacaia ty for jroduc ng five tho sa 1 po nds of Sport-
ing Po vler ].er day
The middle, or Hagley Works, commenced m 1813, comprise two
complete sets of Works, in one enclosure, under a fall of twonty-two
fee1^-so arranged, that both can work on the same description of
powder ; or, if required, one set can manufacture one kind of Powder
and the other set another kind. The two combined haviag a capacity
of twenty-five thousand pounds of Blasting Powder per day.
The lower Works, commenced in 1846, are under a fall of twelve
feet, and have a capacity of five thousand pounds of Sporting Powder
The Saltpetre Refinery, with Laboratory attached, is two hundred
and fifty-eight feet by ninety-six feet, with ample appliances for sup-
plying all the nitre required for the fabrication of Powder, aodalsp
considerable quantities for the market, for such purposes as require an
article chemically pure. In prosimity to the Relinery are large ware-
houses for the storage of saltpetre.
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518 E. I. DU PONT, WILMINGTON, DEL.
The Charring Houses for the preparation of Charcoal, three in num-
ber, are capable of furnishing all the coal required for the mills, the
wood being stored and seasoned iu extensile buildings adjacent.
The firm have two shipping points, one on the river Delaware, with
magazines, and a wharf at which large vessels caa lay ; the other on
the Christiana creek, with ample wharfage for coasters, and for landing
coal, wood, etc.
A Passenger Eailway has been established between the city of
Wilmington and the property of the Messrs, Du Pont.
Attached to the Powder Works are extensive Machine and Mill-
wright Shops, where all repairs are made, and most of the machinery
is built; also a Saw-mill, Planing Mill, Carpenter and Blacksmith
Shops, and capacious buildings for the manufacture of wooden and
metallic kegs and barrels, and of powder canisters.
Railroad tracks are laid through the Powder Works, and the bulk
of the transportation of the Powder, in the various stages of its manu-
facture, is done on cars drawn by horses or mules, of which the firm
have about eighty.
Besides tho Powder-mills, the firm own over two thousand acres
of land, that stretches for a distance of three miles on faotb sides of the
Stream ; and on this property there are three Woollen Mills, a Cotton-
mill, a Merchants' and Grist Mill, and a population of nearly four thou-
sand persons. The farms attached to tho Works are in a high state
of cultivation, and the roads are all macadamized for ease of trans-
portation. The buildings on the estate are mostly of stone, and very
substantial, and the machinery is of the best and most costly character.
The high reputation so long maintained for the Brandywine Powder
is due to the care bestowed on its manufacture and to the constant
personal supervision of the owners The consumption of saltpetre,
the principal ingredient in the manufacture, has been in a single .year,
including tho Luzerne County Mills, over seven millions of pounds,
the bulk of which was imported from Calcutta. The machinery in
operation for the manufacture of Gunpowder, is driven by three steam-
engines and forty-seven water-wheels, the greater part of which are
Turbines.
The manufacture embraces all descriptions of Powder, viz.: Mam-
moth, Cannon, Mortar, Musket, and Rifle, for Army and Navy ord-
nance service; Diamond -grain, Eagle, and the yarioos grades of
Canister and Sporting Powders ; Shipping, Blasting, Mining, and
Fuse Powders.
The production of the mills is principally consumed in the TTnitcd
States, the firm haying agencies and magazines at all the most im-
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THOMAS N. DALK, NEW YORK. 519
portant points, witb a priDcipal depot for the Pacific States at Saa
I'rancisco, and agencies in South America, and in the East and West
ladies.
To illustrate the progress which has been made in the manufacture
of Powder in the United States, it is only necessary to recall the fact
that during the Crimean war, the Allies, to enable them to prosecute
the siege of Sehastopol, were obliged to procure large supplies of
Gunpowder in the "United States (one half of which was furnished by
the Brandywine Powder Mills), and that the American Powder com-
pared favorably with the best they could procure m Europe. Not-
withstanding the immense consumption of Powder during the war
for the suppression of the Rebellion, the United States were enabled
to procure ample supplies at home for all their wants without im-
porting a pound of Powder, and without interfering with the nurront
demand of the country for Sporting, Blasting, and Mining Powder;
which is the more remarkable, from the fact that at the outbreak of the
Rebellion all the stocks of Powder in the Southern States were lost by
Thomas N. Dale, Hew York,
The founder and President of the Dale Manufacturing Company, at
Patersoa, New Jersey, the proprietors of tho largest Silk manitfautory
in the United States, is ft native of Massachusetts. He commenced his
business career as a clerk in a country store, and passed through all
the gradations of mercantile experience until he became the head of a
large importing house in the city of New York. As a bookkeeper he
is said to be one of the most accomplished in that great commercial
mart, and the system with which the accounts of the business that he is
now engaged iu are kept is certainly a model of minuteness, accuracy,
and completeness.
Mr. Dale, we believe, was the first to make the sale of Clotbierb' and
Tailors' Trimmings a specialty, and the firm of Thomas N. Dale & Co.,
in New York, with their branch houses in Paris, Philadelphia, and
Cincinnati, maintain the leading position in this department. The im-
portation of Sewing and other Silks was naturally an important ad-
junct of this business, and was extensively prosecuted for many years';
but when the change of Tariff favored the home production, Mr. Dale,
iu association with his partners, embarked in the manufacture, at
Paterson, New Jersey, and so successfully that he was induced to erect
a large and splendid factory, which will be more particularly described
in another place. (See Manufactures of Paterson, Vol. III.) It is
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°'^'J EDWARD HARRIS, WOONBOCKET, B. I.
believed that the Sewing Silks manufactured there are quite equal ia
quality to the imported, and it is proposed to extend the production to
include braids, hiadings, linings, and other varieties of woven Silks.
Mr. Dale has always manifested a patriotic sympathy with the manu-
facturing interests of the eountiy, and has been especially zealous in
securing protection to the industry of the numerous class whose labor
and skill ai'e their principal capital. Realizing the harmony and
identity of interests which exist between large and small manufacturers,
whose united efforts support and sustain some of the largest cities of
Europe, he has aimed to make the manufacture of small wares a promi-
nent and leading branch of American industry. As there is no one
item of consumption that drains this country of its precious metals so
rapidly as the importation of Silks, those who are instrumental in
establishing the manufacture here, even of the elementary or least
costly kinds, deserve the support, encouragement, and regard of the
American people.
Edward Harris, Woonsocket, R. I,,
Whose liamo for many years has been identified i^ith hi(?Iiest grade
of American Cassimereg, was horn in the State of Rhode Island near
Lime Rock, Octobers, 1801. Within a few years after his birth
his parents removed to Dutchess county, New York where they
remained until 1818, when they again removed to Ashtabula county,
Ohio. His youth and early manhood were spent in tho=ie haidy labors
incident to agricultural pursuits, and in teaching sell )ol and not until
after he had attained his majority was he in any wiie connected with
manufacturing, in which he has since achieved a mo«t distinguished
success. Tn 1823, he returoed to the place of his nativity and entered
the counting-house of his undo, William Hains then a prominent
manufacturer of cotton goods. Here he remtmed thirteen months
when he obtained a clerkship in a largo mill m the vicimty known as
the "Albion," of which he was subsequently manager or superintendent
la- these and incidental pursuits his life passed until he had attiined
his thirtieth year, when having aecamulated |2,500, and leceived a
loan from his father of $1,000, he purchased asmall woollen mill having
one set of machinery, situated in Woonsocket, on the banks of the
Blackstone river, and embarked in the manufacture of Satinets. Here
he became associated with Edward Seagraves, and for a short period
with Willard B. Johnson ; but his first experience was so discouraging
tbat, in consequence of a great decline in wool and woollen goods, ho
found his capital reduced to a single thousand dollars, and he returned
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EDWABD HARKIS, W00N80CKET, K. I. 521
to tbe Albion Mill as ite superiateadent, though tetam ng bii laterest
iu the Satinet manufactory, which waa managed by his partaer. In
the Bubacqueat year a great advance took place m the clias <jt ^ooda
maniifactured at his mi!!, and his profits were $5 000 which may be
said to be the foundation of a fortune thatia now pimcely These
details, that might be called trivial in the history of a manufacturer less
eminent, are of value because encouraging to those who are strug-
gling with diffi-culties and aapiring to success.
In 1837, the partnership with Mr. Seagraves waa dissolved, and
since then Mr. Harris Las had no partner, though it has been his prac-
tice to reward fidelity and long service with an interest in the profits of
the concern. In the year 1836, he built a new stone mill, five
stories high, which is distinguished as Mil! No. 2, the original factory,
or mill Ko, I, being still operated by him, and now contains two sots of
machinery and thirteen looms. About this time he engaged in the
manufacture of what waa called " Merino Cassimeres," with cotton
warps and wool filling, finely finished, which, in their day, were quite
popular, but which were soon superseded by the more substantial all
wool figured or Fancy Cassimeros, first made in these mills in December,
1843.
In 18*4, the large brick factory on the west side of the street, fifty by
one hundred feet, five stories high, was erected, and in the subsequent
year he built No. i, which is six stories in height, and to which
additions have since been made. Both of these factories are propelled
by the same power, which ia transmitted by means of shafting under
the pavement, and they are connected by a bridge that extends from
the upper stories across the street. These four mills are now known
as the " Old Works," and contain an equivalent of thirty-three sets of
cards, one hundred and forty-six looms, fifty-four spinning jacks, with
eleven thousand spindles, about thirty gigs, ten shearing machines, forty
fulling hammers, and produce an average of twelve thousand yards of the
best quality of Cassimeres each week. Adjacent to mill No. 4 is also
a cotton factory, with seven thousand spindles, and eraployod in making
sheetings and Domet flannels.
In 1860, Mr. Harris laid the foundations of what will undoubtedly be
the most complete and superb woollen manufactory in the United States.
It is built of brick, in the form of an L, and if extended in one line, its
length would be four hundred and forty-two feet, its width sixty feet, and
. five stories in height. The aggregate floor superficies is one hundred and
fifty thousand square feet. There is in the engine house one Corliss
engine of one hundred and seventy-five horse-power, and an immense
water-wheel twenty-eight feet in breast and forty feet in diameter,
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522
, WOONSOCKET, R. ]
constructed withoutacentralshaft, being supported by gudgeons. The
foundations, as well as the whole structure, are of the most substantia!
cbaracter, and the walls of the first story, which is fifteen feet high, are
three feet in thickaess and faced with granite. This mill now con-
tains eight self-operating mules, of three hundred and thirty-six spiudles
each, which were imported from Europe, and when completely furnished
will have thirty-five sets of forty-eight inch cards, one hundred and forty
broad looms, equal to two hundred and eightynarrow, forty fulling ham-
mers and other equivalent machinery, of the most approved construction.
Connected with this mill is a brick Dye-house, surmounted with venti-
lators and a Boiler and Engine House, and in the immediate vicinity on
the estate is a Foundry, a Blind and Sash manufactory, hoarding houses
for operatives, and forty tenement houses. The monthly wages paid to
those employed in the various factories now exceeds $25,000, and when
the new mill is in full operation this will be largely increased.
One distinguishing characteristic of Mr. Harris's mind, is its just ap-
preciation of the practical, or preference for substance to show. This is
apparent alike in his buildings, his machinery, and his manufactured
fabrics. It is a trait that was developed early, for his Satinets and
Mei'ina Oassimeres were in their day, as his Fancy Cassimcres are now,
the moat substantial of their class. His instructions to those in his
employ have always been to make the best goods possible, without
regard to cost. It is generally supposed that Mr. Harris has monopo-
hzed secrets in dyeing fast colors, and processes of manufacturing
not known to others; but .this may be classed among doubtful
rumors. Care, attention, time, are the levers with which he achieves
success. Five and sis weelis are invariably taken to convert the raw
material into cloth, and two and three weeks are consumed in finishing
the fabric after it leaves the loom. Probably no woollen factory has so
large a proportion of double and twist spindles as these mills. Every
yard of cloth undergoes careful inspection, and the organs of smell and
feeling as well as of sight are eiaployed to detect defects. Many thou-
sands of pieces of cloth are annually sold in the markets as " Harris's
Oassimeres" that never were in his mills, and though he makes from
Vwo hundred and fifty to three hundred difierent styles, and it is
always possible for accidents to occur in large establisbments, through
the negligence of subordinates, it is safe to assert that no imperfect
goods are ever knowingly sent to the warehouses.
Another mental characteristic of Mr. Harris is his originality, mani-
fested especially in frequent innovations upon the established customs of
trade. When his fabrics were sold through commission houses, a highly
respectable and responsible merchant in New York solicited the exclusive
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JOSEPH HARRISON, JR., PHILADELPHIA. 523
agency for that city. Consent was giveo, but only on condition that
the merchant would agree, in writing, to place all notes received for
the sale of Harris's goods ia a separate package, and bold them as a
special deposit, not to be used without his consent first obtained, under
penalty of punishment in the " State's Prison," and, further stipulating,
that no notes of those who held or dealt in slaves should be deposited
in that package. In 1855, Mr. Harris opened a warehouse in the
city of New York for, the sale of his fabrics, and though it was then
customary for manufacturers and their agents to allow a credit of
eight months, he announced six months as his limit, with au allowance
of two and a half per cent,, and when others adopted bis rule, he re-
duced his credit to four months, with an allowanec of five per cent.;
consequently his Bills-Eecoivable, maturing two months in advance of
others, were genoraUy paid, an advantage that those who suffered in
the commercial crisis of 185t will best appreciate. But when the late
Rebellion commenced, and others declined all credits, demanding cash
invariably, he reversed his former practice, and allowed a credit of three
laonths, believing that the system of short credits thus established,
could be maintained ever afterward through force of custom, even if the
old rule of long credits should flgain become general.
As a man, Mr. Han'is ia no less estimable than he is sagacious as a
manufacturer. Radical in his opimons oa questions involving public and
national morality, he has not hesitated to sacrifice his pecuniary interests
whenever they conflicted with his conscientious convictions of duty.
As a Senator and politician he has always co-operated with those
actuated by sympathy with humanity, and though a millionaire, he has
never allowed the fascination of acquisition to canker or check the genial
impulses of a naturally kind heart. Among his numerous charities is the
munificent gift to the town of Woonsocket of a block of buildings, wortli
perhaps $T5,000, for the establishment of a Free Library and Lyceum,
But the subject, too comprehensive for these pag'es, is reluctantly trans-
ferred to others, who, we trust, wiO prepare a suitable memoir of one
who deservedly ranks among the foremost of American Manufacturers.
J'oseph Harrison, Jr., Philadelphia,
Whose successful enterprise, at home and abroad, has made hia name
a familiar one to the manufacturers of two continents, was bom ia the
district of Northern Liberties, now a part of the city of Philadelphia,
in 1810 ; and at the age of firteen was an indentured apprentice to the
art of machine-making— a trade that he had himself selected. A fore-
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534 JOSEPH HARRISON, JR., PHILADELPHIA,
man at twenty, iu the shop in which ho served his time, he commenced
life at twenty-one with a fair knowledge of his craft, con-ect, industrious
habitfi, but with little chance, apparently, or expectation, of special
preferment, ezcept in the routine of his calling.
Employed in several prominent machine shops, and as foreman for
Garrett & Eastwick, he, in 1837, became associated ia partnersbip with
these gentlemen for the manafacture of Locomotive Engines. This
firta, soon changed to Eastwick & Harrison, were the originators of
several important improvements, that have contributed to the present
perfection of the American Locomotive, In their hands, the eight-
wheel engine, with four driving and four truck wheels, was first brought
into a practicable shape. It is now almost exclusively used in this
country for passenger trains, and is obtaining a sure and steady reputa-
tion in Europe. The present modes of equalizing the weight on the
driving wheels, indispensable to this engine, were patented by Joseph
Harrison, Jr., the subject of this notice, in 1839, and are now applied
by all the manufaeturers of Locomotive Engines iu this country. In
1841, a Locomotive called the "Gowan d- Marx," weighing hut \itt\e
over eleven tons, was designed and built by this firm, for the Phila-
delphia and Reading Railroad. The performance of this engine, in
drawing one hundred and one loaded coal cars over that road, attracted
great attention at the time, as being then without a parallel in the his-
tory of railroad transportation. Locomotives, designed and built by
Eastwick & Harrison, for the Beaver Meadow, Hazleton and Sugar Loaf
Railroads, burned anthracite coal successfully as early as 1835 and 1836,
and in a regular freight business over these roads snrmounted higher
grades than had ever been practically overcome in this country or in
Europe.
In 1840, Colonel Melnikoff and Colonel Kraft, two eminent En-
gineers, were sent to this country by the Russian Covernment, to
examine and report upon the, American Railway System, with the
view of jts adoption in that Empire. The reputation already acquired
by Messrs. Eastwick & Harrison in their profession, attracted their
attention, and induced these gentlemen on their return to Russia to
propose that Mr. Harrison should be sent for, to undertake the con-
struction of tiie Locomotives and rolling stock for the St. Petersburg
and Moscow Railway, a road more than four hundred miles long, then
about being commenced under the direction of an eminent American,
Major George W. Whistler, who had been called to Russia in 1842,
as Consulting Engineer of the Railway Department of that Govern-
ment. In the Spring of 1843, Mr. Harrison embarked for Europe,
and in December of that year, he, in association with his partner in
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'>a/lA^^-^(n^_j
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JOSEPH HAERISON, JR., PHILADELPHIA. 525
Philadelpliia, Mr. Eastwiok, md Thomu Winnna ot Baltimore, con-
cluded a contract with tlio RnB.lan Government, amounting to throe
millions ot dollars, to be completed in five joars. It wan a condition
that this work wee all to he dene ot St. Pctetshnrg, by Kussian me-
chanics, or such as could be found on the spot.
With workmen entirely unacquainted with the work to be done, and
without knowing the language, or the peculiar manner of doing busi-
ness in a foreign land, Messrs. Harrison, Win.ns is Eastwicli, the new
firm established in St. Petersburg, set about the dilficult, and to
almost every One but themselves, the impossible task of complying with
the tei-ms of their contract.
Commoneing the business in the straightforward manner they had
pursued at home, tbey asked only not to be hindered, and so well were
their plans arranged and carried ont, that all the work contracted for
was completed, to the entire satisfaction of the Bussian Government
and paid for, more than one year before the term of the contract
had eipired. During the progress of this work, other orders amount-
mg to nearly two millions of dollars, were added to the original
amonnl, ineindins the completion of the great cast-iron bridge over the
river Neva, at St. Poteruburg, the largest and most cosily slructuro
of the kind m ejistenco, to finish which one year was added to the
original term.
Before the close ef the first contract, a second one was made for
a period of twelve years, for maintaining the Locomotives and roll-
ing stock of the St Petersburg and Moscow Eail,«y_tho parties to
the contract bemg Joseph Harrison, Jr., Thomas Win.ns and Wil-
liam L. Winans. This second contract was carried on and finished to
the satisfaction of both parties thereto, in 1863. During that year a
contract was eenclnded with a French company fop maintaining the
polling stock of the St Petersburg and Moscow Railway. This company
cemmoneed their work with the maehinory in sneh perfect order as was
not perhaps to be found on any railroad of similar length in the world
Prom this perfection, with all the workshops, tools, and other arrange-
ments ready to tbeir hands, which their predecessors had been twelve
years m bringing to completeness, the rolling stock of the read was so
nnuch pun down in three years as to compel an abrupt termination of
the contract by the Government, and a now contract was made in 1885
with Mr. Thomas Winons and William L. Win.ns, who were then
in Europe, for another term ef eight ye.rs. It will be thus seen
th.t American reputation in railway mechanical engineering, first began
in Philadelphia by Mp Harrison and his partner, in their intercourse
with Colonel Meluikof and Colonel Kraft, has since maintained itself
in Bnesia against all comers, and has new no competitop
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SS*! JOSEPH HARRISON, Jit,,
PHUADELPRIA.
In 1847, the Erapei-or Nicholas, accompanied by his son, the present
Emperor ; the Grand Duke Constantine, his seeoDd son ; Prince Paske-
vitch. Viceroy of Poland, with all the high officers of the Government,
visited the Alesandroffsky Head Mechanical Works of the St. Peters-
burg and Moscow Railway, where the work for the road was being done.
After spending many hours in a niinuto examination of every part of
the establishment, the Emperor,shakingliandsatpartingwith the Ameri-
can contractors, expressed the greatest satisfaction at what had been
shown and explained to him. As an additional mark of bis approval,
his Majesty sent to each of our countrymen composing the firm, most
beautiful diamond rings, of a present value of not less than three thou-
sand dollars each. On the occasion of the opening of the Neva bridge,
in the autumn of 1850 then just completed, the Emperor Nicholas, as
a further mark of esteem confened upon Mr. Harrison the ribbon
of the order of St. Anne w ith i missive gold medal attached thereto.
On one side of the medal is a portrait of his Majesty, and on the ob-
verse, the motto in the Russian language, ''For zeal."
In 1852, Mr. Hainson leturned to Philadelphia, and set about em-
ploying the large means which had rewarded his enterprise, for the
adornment of hia native city. lie erected numerous and costly
buildings, and established the most extensive and probably the first
private Gallery of Art in Philadelphia. Though twelve years of the
last twenty of his life have been passed abroad, it is evident he has not
lost affection for the place of his birth, or forgotten the obligations of
a public- spirited citizen.
Early in his engineering life, Mr. Harrison's attention was directed
to a means of improving steam geneiation— more particulaily with a
view of making the use of this powerful agent less dangerous and
liable to explosion. The result of his eftoits m thic direction is now
before the public in the Haiiison bteam Boilei— now largely coming
into use— which will be notiLcd moie it length in a subsequent
volume. The first boiler made on his improved pimciple wts put m
operation at Messrs. William feelleis & Co 's Woiks m Philadelphia,
in 1859, and supplied steam for then entire establishment foi seveial
months in the summer of that year. Mr. Harrison's first patent from
the United States is dated October 4th, 1869, though improvements on
the original idea have since been the subject of several patents in this
country and in Europe. At the International Exhibition held in
London in 1863, the highest class Medal was awarded to this
Boiler, "for originality of design, and general merit." He is now
pnrsuing, with the zeal and perseverance of his earlier life, the highly
important object of making steam generation safe from its present de-
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LEMUEL TOMEaOY, PITTSPIELD, MASS.
52t
stniclivenesa to life .nd property ; and, though aiming directly »t a
complete reyoiotion in the form and material of the present sy.tem
he does not fear failure, while success will place him among the bene-
factors of his race.
Lemuel Pomeroy, Pittileld, Massacliuietts,
A pioneer in the Woollen manuf«;ture in this country, was born in
Southampton, Massachusetts, in nt8, and died at PiltsHold, August
1849. He has been more than once referred to in this volume among
the early manufacturers, and nothing more need be added eicept a
brief synopsis of his life and character.
With hut a commoa school education, he left his father's house at
serentoen, with the principles of honesty and piety Instilled into his
nmd and heart, by his worthy parents, as his only capital, to oarye his
own way through life. Making his home In PlttsBeld, Massachusetts
m 1809 he started a Gun factory there, in which he manufactured arms
for the United States. For thirty-soven years he continued this busi-
ness, without over having a jar with Govornmonl, or a word of dissatis-
faction.
In 1812, at the beginning of the war, when every thing was uncertain
and when th. business in this country was new, he began to manufac-
ture Woollen goods, one of the earliest In the country who engaged in
this enterprise. We have before us a copy of the Act passed-February
18, 1814, mcorporating the PittsJeld Woollen and Cotton Factory
whioh was probably the pioneer manufactory in Berkshiro county
since become disfingnisbed for ite numerous and eztensivo manufactories
of Wooilon Cloth. This Act constituted Lemuel Pomeroy, Joseph
Memek, Eb.neser Center, Samuel D. Colt, David Campbell, and others
a corporation, limiting their ownership of real estate to $30,000 and
of personal estate to »100,000 ; and at the Bist meeting of the corpora-
tors it was voted that the stock consist of one hundred and thirty shares
of «1,000 each. His sons, Theodore and Robert Pomeroy, continue the
business ostablished by their father in 1812, and probably there Is no
instance in the annals of American manufactures whore one establish-
ment has remained in one family without change for so long a period
Mr. Pomeroy," says the Eev. John Todd, who knew him well
was a gentloman of the old school, and In manner few ar, or can be
more courteous, afable, or agreeable-, politeness not learned In the
French school, but which sprang fresh from an eipand.d and warm
heart. In hospitality, at his own bouse, ho was indeed princely The
number who have received a fascinating and warm welcome there, and
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538 HON. JAMES Y. SMITH, PROVIDENCE, K. I.
have shared in a hospitality the most bountiful, is very great indeed,
from every part of the land.
"In his business engagements he was honest, liberal, and prompt-
universally beloved by all in his employmont. Ho was a must puhlic-
spirited citizea, and wielded an influence almost unbounded among his
fellow-citizens."'
Hon. James Y. Smith. Providence, Rhode Island,
Is a prominent representative of those manufacturers of Rhode Island
whose sterling integrity has elevated the standard of commorcial ethics,
and whose intelligent enterprise has made that little commonwealth, in
proportion to its population, the wealthiest in the Union.
Governor Smith was born in tho town of Groton, Connecticut, Sep-
tember 15, 1809 ; beginning his business career in a country store. At
the age of seventeen he removed to tho city of Providence, of which he
has ever since remained a resident, filling many prominent positions of
honor and responsibility, and establishing an enviable reputation for
unblemished integrity and unflinching patriotism.
Prom 1826 to 3830 he was engaged in the lumber business with
(1) As illustrative of the growtli of tte WooHen maiiufaoture, in Bei-kehire
county, einoe the establishment of Pomutoy'a Pioneer Manufactory, we append
the following list of Mills in 1S64
Poutoosip MaDDUctoriub Oompiiiij 8 BftlmorEtl eklrla
PltliaBeia WodU™ Oonipany g Faoov cassiDiBrea
" a.N iC anssoll i PancyonsslmereBiind sklrta
W. J HavklnB i Co
Lee Woollen Corapui;
^li b^cruVBl ekirtH,
SeSQ JE I^dUonts.
BlBoMaton & PMUIpg.
BriggB ti BroUisr _
B.W BnqitOttSOo-
XrlerABlln
S.W BlBofelDh D & Son
F«T7 i Peunlmaji
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HON. JAMES T. SMITEI, PROVrDENCE, R. I. 52!)
James Aborn, becoming his partner during the latter year, and coafm-
uing interested with him nntil 1843. Rhode Island had been the early-
cradle of the Cotton manufacture, and its growing proportions had al-
ready absorbed the attention of the leading minds, and monopolized
most of the capital of his adopted city, when, in 1838 Ja Y Sm'th
began the manufacture of Cottons at WiUimant 0 nn t t a !
Woonsocket, Ehode Island ; at a" later time wo find h m t t 1
several mills at Seituate, and purchasing the 11 kn wn P 1
Steam Mill, Since then his investments in Cott n manufa tu ng 1
Steadily increased, and his earlier enterprises ha g wa at p m
nent notice, employing hundreds of looms, and lul tl u
operations of dyeing and printing, thus adapt n h fab f th
most extended sale. He had early recognized th p n pi that d
verse fluctuations were least felt by those manufacturers who fitted their
fabrics for distribution among the largest number of consumers. At the
present time, a Company bearing his name is erecting a large steam
rail] in Elmwood, adjoining the city of Providence.
His eminently practical mind had been deeply impressed with the
great national importance of rendering our country independent of for-
eign supplies of Flax fabrics, and his attention was directed to means
of preparing, for textile purposes, the vast quantity of flax straw which
our western farmers regarded us worthless, though economists esti-
mated its marlietable value at $16,000,000 to $20,000,000 annually.
He sought to develop this neglected mine of wealth, believing it would
become an important element in our domestic exchanges, crowding our
railroads witli freight, and opening to thousands a new field of industry.
After examining the schemes and contrivances of a multitude of in-
ventors, who always found him an intelligent listener and a sympa-
thizing friend, he finally adopted the processes of Both and Lee, by
which the straw, in either the uni-etted or retted condition, is deprived
of the boon and shive hy an ingenious scutching apparatus, partly the
invention of Governor Smith ; and subsequently, by a safe and speedy
chemical treatment, in from one to two hours the fibre is finished, per-
fectly bleached, glossy and clean, of greatly improved fineness, without
being impaired in strength, enabling the manufacturer to subject it to
coQtinuous textile operations.
The great facility of the Cotton manufacture has consisted ia ite being
subject to a aeries of consecutive operations, each promptly carrying
forward the material until the cloth was produced by the loom, whilst
hitherto Flax fibre has always been span in the unbleached condition, a
large percentage of gum or waste being twisted into the yarn, only to
be removed subsequently by bleaching in the yarn or in the piece.
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530 HON. JAMBS Y. SMITH, PEOVIDENCE, R, I.
More even and perfect yarns and g'oods could be fabricated from fibre
already clean than by the old mode, which necessarily impoverished
both yarn and cloth.
Attempts to remedy this defect in the manufacture of Linen have
occupied the attentioa of the European world for upward of one hun-
dred and fifty years. Eerthollet preceded Clausaen ; both failed from
the want of some efficient de chlorinating agent, without which their
fibre soon became worthless from the continued action of the bleaching
aalts. The subsequent discovery of "Roth's Antiehlorine" solved
this problem by one of the most beautiful chemical formulas, arresting
the action of the chloride of lime at any stage of the process, and leav-
ing the fibre perfectly free from its iafluence thereafter.
The facility thus secured for placing before manufacturers Flax fibres
on au equality with Cotton left nothing more to be desired than the
practical experience ou a large scale of this preparation of Flax, and to
achieve this result, Uovernor Smith commenced, in 1863, the erectioii,
at Delaware, Ohio, of a largo mill for the scutching of flax straw,
which is DOW in successful operation, turning out fibre in the unbleached
Slate from tlie waste straw of the flax fields, suitable for bagging or
bale rope, into which it has been converted on the spot. Preparations
have been made for extending the Works, with the view of manufac-
turing the better class of flax fabrics from bleached fibre, and ere long
the great question of making the waste of our flax fields available for
the purposes of domestic economy will be brought to a triumphant
conclusion.
As early as 1843 he was elected to the Legislature, serving through
several subsequent years. In 1855, he was nominated for the Mayor-
ality of Providence in opposition to both the regular nominees of the
Whig and Democratic parties, and was elected by a large majority over
both his opponents, was subsequently re-elected, and declined the nom-
ination for a thii-d term. In 1861, he received tho nomination of the
Republican party for the office of Governor, but that party was then
in the minority. In 1863, he was again their candidate, and carried
the State by a large majority. Ho was elected for two consecutive
terms, and during his administration witnessed the close of tho war,
the successful prosecution of which he had aided with all his energies ;
averting the draft from Rhode Island by supplying the quota of his
State in advance of every call la his of&cial station he was a warm
and efficient supporter of the general Government; and as a citizen,
contributed largely of his means in aid of the various efforts for the
welfare of the soldiers and their families.
As a merchant and manufacturer Mr. Smith has long been noted for
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ORRAT TAFT, PROVIDENCE, E, I. 531
liis promptness in moBting the market, in making his operations inde-
pendent of transient speculation, and looking rather to his general
average returns than to temporary fluctuations. jSfo man is more dis-
tinguished for simplicity of character, kindness of heart, and unostenta-
tious benevolence. Throughout a long and successful career his bene-
factions have been numerous and large, springing from the dictates of
a generous aud kindly heart; and for twenty-five years his good name
has been identified with most of the public charities, and nearly every
enterprise of a public character which has been projected in the State
of Bbode Island.
Orray Taft, Providence, Rhode Island,
Another representative man of the morchants and manufacturers of
Rhode Island, was born in the eastern part of the town of Uxbridge,
Mass., April 9, 1193. His early education was received at the common
schools of his native town, which in those days were held only during
the winter months, while in the summer he labored oa his father's farm,
and there developed a strong and robust physical constitution, which
enabled him to endure without injury the eeveve labors of hia businosa
iife.
His active mind was not content, however, with the dull routine of a
New England farm, and soon after attaining bis majority, ia the fall of
1815, be sailed for Savannah, Georgia, and there engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits, shipping cotton to the mills in Rhode Island. He re-
mained in business in Savannah until 1829, at first associated with the
brothers Sibley, afterward with Edward Padelford, who in 1833 suc-
ceeded to the business of the old firm of Taft & Padelford, and estab-
lished the well-known house of Padelford & Pay, which continued in
existence until the breaking out of the Rebellion.
Oa leaving Savannah, Mr. Taft removed to Providence, Rhode
Island, and there established himself in the Cotton business, that he
might the more successfully pursue it in the very centre of the manu-
facturing interest of Rhode Island, and in close proximity to the then
rapidly developing industry of the Blackstone valley. At that time,
Providence was the great source of supply for the manufactories, not
only in its vicinity, but for more than fifty miles around, and its merchants
wore al! more or less closely connected with the manufacturing interests.
Prosperity attended the first years of his residence in Providence, and
ia 1834 he began to make investments in manufacturing property, pur-
chasing an intorost in the mills at Albion, which he retained until 1844,
but which, owing to causes beyond his control, did not prove so profit-
able as he anticipated.
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3*S-J OltltAY TAFT, PEOVIDENCE, R, I.
About this time, the rapidly increasing business of the country drew
the attention of the merchants of Providence to the necessity of more
■speedy and convenient communication with tho mills, and a railroad
from Providence to Worcester was decided upon. Aesociating with
other merchants and mB.nufacturere in its management, Mr. Taft labored
zealously for its accomplishraent, and as its President, from 1848 to
1854, devoted almost his entire attention to the business of the corpora-
tion, and by his great energy and resolute actioa carried the Company
successfully through the trials of its infancy, and left it in a position to
materially aid in the development of the manufacturing interests of New
England.
Retiring from the Presidency of the Railroad when he had placed it
in » prosperous condition, he turned hia attention to manufacturing,
and, in 1853, associated with other merchants in Providence, under the
name of the " Wauregan Mills," commenced on the Quinebaug river,
iu PlainSeld, Connecticut, the erection of a large mill for spinning
Cotton, the immediate charge of tho construction being entrusted to
Mr, Amos D. Loclcwood, who has since that time erected some of the
floest miJIs in the country. Mr. Taft was one of the corporators, and
President of the Company from its i a corporation until 1858, when the
business firm which he had founded were elected the financial agents
of the Company, and its operations came more directly under his per-
sonal supervision. In the fall of 1858, the Company decided to still
further extend its facilities by adding to the then existing building
another of equal size, making a mill five hundred and six feet long,
forty-nine feet wide, and containing twenty-five thousand spindles and
five hundred and fifty looms. The addition was completed in less than
one year from the time of its commencement, and for the five years
from 1860 to 1864 inclusive, probably no mill in tho country had a more
profitable business, its profits amounting to more than one hundred and
sixty per cent, on its capital of half a million dollars. At the present
time (18fi6) the Company is still further extending its business by the
erection of another mill of the same size, making the number of spin-
dles fifty thousand and the looms about eleven hundred. The com-
bined length of the two mills, were they placed in a line, would be
more than a thousand feet.
As a man of business Mr. Taft was prominent among his commercial
associates for his high-toned sense of honor and his unswerving integ-
rity, commanding the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
Strictly conscientious in all his dealings, Le required the same rectitude
of purpose in others ; and while he despised the petty tricks by which
too often, at the present day, the creditor is defrauded, yet to the honest
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OREAY TAFT, PEOVIDBNOB, R. I, 533
debtor, buwever utifurtunate, he was always ready to lend a helpiog
hand. lie wa& a firm friend to those with whom he was associated for
nearly forty years, and among them were some of the most prominent
names in the manufacturing history of Ehodo Island. Though he
■sought no political bocoi-s, but delighted rather iu the reputation of
being a useful citizen, he was ever active in the promotion of all public
enterprises whoso aim seemed to promise some substantial benefit,
whether to the city, the State, or the nation ; and in all of the many
positions of honor and of trust which he held, he showed the same-
soundness of judgment, untiring energy, and high sense of honor that
distinguished his commercial operations.
At the full, ripe age of more than threescore years and ten, on the
21th of January, 1865, after a long and painful illness, Mr. Taft
passed away, leaving to his children a parting injunction that briefly
expressed the leading motto of his owd life, in which an honorable
name was valued more than worldly accumulations.
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IJ^DEX
AMERICAN INVENTORS.
BLANCHAE.D, Thomas, of BostOD, the iovcntor of Blanchard's
Lathe for turning irregular forms, was born in Sutton, Worcester
county, Massachusetts, June 24, 11S8. His brother was engaged in
manufacturing Tacka by hand, and young Blanehard, before he was
eighteeo years of age, attempted to invent a machine for making them,
in which, after sis years' experiments, ho succeeded so effectively that
by placing in the hopper the iron to he worked, and applying the mo-
tive power, five hundred Tacks were made per minute, with better
finished heads and points than ever had been made by hand. For this
machine be secured a patent, and sold the right of manufacturing to a
Company for $5,000. His next attempt was to construct a lathe to
turn Musket Barrels, with a uniform external finish from end to end, by
the combination of one sing^le, self-directing operation Notwithatand
ing about three inches of the barrel at the breech is ptitlye^lmdncil and
partly with flat sides, both of them wore cut by thi? machme which
ingeniously chinged to a vibiating motion as it appioached the breech
The supeiintendent of the &pfingfield Armory heaid of this mvention
and be contiacted with Mr Blanchard for one of hia machine': When
it was in operation one of the workmen remarked that his own work
of gimding the bairels was done away with. Anothei employed on
the wooden stocks which were then all made by hand ^-aid that
Blanchard could not spoil his job, as be could not make a michine to
turn a gun stock. Blanchard answered that he was not sute but he
would think about it, and as he was driving home thiough the tow n ot
Brimfield the idea of his lathe for turning irregular forms suddenly
struck him. In his emotion he shouted out, " I have got it, I have got
it 1" The principle of this machme is that forms are turned by a pat-
tern, the csact shape of the object to be produced, which in every part
of it is successively brought in contact with a small friction wheel ; this
wheel precisely regulates the motion of chisels aiTauged upon a cutting
wheel acting upon the rough block, so that as the friction wheel suc-
cessively traverses every portion of the rotating pattern, the cutting
wheel pares off the superabundant wood from end to end of the block,
leaving a precise resemblance of the model. This remarkable machine,
(534)
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BIQELOW, EKASTTJS B., OP BOBTON. 535
with Tnod fl at on& and n j o ement u use ia the national armories
as well as n E gland ind n var oua f rma is applied to many opera-
tions in mail n^ mu ket sto k u L s cutting in the cavity for the
lock, b el in od b tt jl te and mo ntings; comprising, with the
turning of the to k ind barrel no less than thirteen different machines.
Besides gnn stocks, it is also applied to a great variety of objects, such
as busts, shoe lasts, handles, spikes, etc., etc.
Mr. Blanchard received no lesa than twenty-four patents, including
one for bending ship timber, but we believe that even up to the time
of his decease, a year or two since, at an advanced age, ho had not
realized any considerable or adequate reward for his valuable inveations.
BIGELOW, Ebastus B. , of Boston, one of the most eminent of Amer-
ican inventors, and the founder of the manufacturing town of Clinton,
was born in West Boylstoa, Worcester county, Massachusetts, in the
year 181i, His father was a man of limited means, and the son was
early inured to toil. He worked for a time on a farm and in a cotton-
mill, but before he was eighteen years of age he had invented a hand
loom for weaving Suspender Webbing, a, machine for making " Piping
Cord," and bad written and published a book on Stenography, or short
hand writing. His first important invention, however, was a power-
loom for weaving Counterpanes or Marseilles Quilts, before woven by
hand, in which he was entirely successful ; but in consequence of the
failure ot the firm who undertook to make it available, he realized
nothing fiom this mventioa This was followed by a power-loom for
weaving Coach Lace which may be siid to have been the flrsfc of his
inventions thit bro ight him prominently into notice, as a number of
capitalists united with him ind his blotter, Horatio N. Bigelow, for the
purpose of buildmg and lunn ng these 1 ims, and formed the association
known as the Clinton Compan\ '
The next task ti which Mr Bigelow applied himself was to invent
a power loom to wea\o Ingrain ir Kidderminster Carpet. In this he
also snccee led tiiumphing over all difficulties ; producing a loom, first
put in opentiun m the Lowell Cai pet Works, that would weave with
ease from twenty fave to twenty seven yards per day, whereas the hand
loom production never e\eeedej eight jards in a day. His latest and
probably grcateht invention was a power-loom for weaving Brussels
Tapestry and Velvet Tapestry Carpets. Specimens of Brussels Carpet
woven on this loom were exhibited in England at the Great Exhibition
in ] 851, and attracted much attention.
Mothing short of actual inspection can give any just idea Of the
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536 BALL, E. AND O. AUITMAN, OF CANTON, OHIO.
wonderful capacities and lifelike action of this machine. Some one at-
tempting a clescription of it says :
" Wires threa feet or more in length are here iuBerted and witlidi-awii with.
a, preoiaion and ttaiokceaa wMeli no manual dexterity ever attained. Let us
watoh the operntion. First mark that intruding knife or wedge, which, as it
rises, separates from its oompanions the wire next to be taken, and gnides the
pusher, which shOTes it along towarii the piuoera. The pinsers now walk up,
graaj) the wire, and draw it entirely out. While this is doing, another set of
nippers, hanging down like two human hands, come forward, desoend, and
otttoh the wire at the moment when the drawing pincers drop their prey. No
sooner have they seized the wire than they retreat to their original position,
beneath which a small angular trough has just arrived. The fingers relax,
and the wire drops into the trough, which immediately returns. Last of all,
a triangular pusher, rushing through the trough, sends the rod into the open
shed. Note, also, the double action of the withdrawing pincers, which, while
they attend to their own speoial miasion, perform also sergeant's duty by con-
stantly bringing into line the straggling wires. Those bird-like three-fingerad
claws, which dart back and fortli with such rapidity, are busy in plaiting the
selvedge, and their work is perfect. These too are ' oontriyed a double debt to
pay,' for whenever their thread breaks they instantly stop the loom."
The town of Clinton, in Worcester county, Massacbu setts, owes its
growth and manufacturing importance principallj to these inventiona
of Mr. Bigolow. The Coach Laco Works now owned by Messrs.
Horstmann & Sons, of Philadelphia ; the Lancaster Quilt Company,
which turns out seventy thousand Counterpanes annually ; the Bigelow
Carpet Company, which produces one hundred and fifty thousand
yards of the finest Brussels Carpets annually, are all the outgrowth and
offspring of his genius.
Mr. Bigelow is still in the prime of intellectual vigor, and though
now absent in Europe, his native country may yet confidently rely
upon him for some new and important device in labor-saving machinery.
BALL, Ephraim, and Cornelius Aultman, of Canton, Ohio, belong
to a class of the world's iienefactors who have made two blades of grass
grow where but one grew before. Both are self-made men, and by
their invention of machines adapted to tBe wants of agriculturists have
built up madufacturiog establishments that are among the largest and
most important in the West,
Ephraim Ball, the inventor of the famous Ohio Reaper and Mower,
was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1812, and passed his yo.uth amid
hardships and privations, without the advantages of even an ordinary
a school education. Compelled, when not more than fourteea
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BAIX, E. AND C. ADLTMAN, OF CANTON, OHIO. 531
years of age, to suek his own subsistence, he attained the age of man-
hood with only a knowledge of the ruder parts of the artof a house-carpen-
ter. Having married early in life, he became surrounded by the cares of a
family, for whose support, io 1840, he directed all his mental aod physi-
cal energies to the starting of a foundry for making Plough castings,
and a shop for Stocking Ploughs. "Should he now contemplate,"
says a brief memoir furnished us by one familiar with the facts, " an
establishment for casting ocean steamers in one piece the work would
look scarcely more formidable. With no previous knowledge of the
business— having never seen liquid iron but once in his life_yet obliged
not oniy to plan but to execute all the work himself, he became in turn
carpenter, stone cutter, mason, pattern maker, plough stockcr, painter,
salesman, purchaser, financier, and bookkeeper to the establishment.
With hands and brain earnestly employed, and all his hopes centered
on success, difficulties, competition, and opposition only solidified his
resolution. No wonder that in such a mental gymnasium mind grew
rapidly, maQnere improved, intelligoutie, skill, judgment, and influence
increased. It was a success. Ploughs were made and sold known as
' Ball's Blue Ploughs.' A partnership was now formed which has made
a name aud influeaee the world over. Cornelius Aultman and Lewis
Miller, names well-known oq tho Patent Office records and throughout
the West, became the partners of Mr. Ball, and in 1851 the little shop
at Greentown was abandoned, and the (afterward) great firm of Ball,
Aultman & Co. appeared at Canton, Ohio, on the Pittsburgh, Port
Wayne, and Chicago Railroad. Here genius had a wider range, and
here, in 185i, the West was first cheered by the sight of " The Ohio
Mower," a machine with double driving wheels and a flexible finger-
bar. The loss of all their shops and tools in the same year by fire de-
ferred the foil, practical development of the machine until 1856, when
Mr. Ball took out letters patent for bis improvement. From that time
forward business increased rapidly and improvements followed in quick
succession. The "Buckeye" machine was brought out in 1858, after
the dissolution of the firm, wbich took place early in that year. In the
hands of his former partners, C. Aultman & Co., this, which also
belongs to the family of two wheeled machines, has attained a wonder-
ful success, probably equal to that of the parent machine, as many as
seven thousand having been made by them in 1865.
In 1856, Ball, Aultman & Co., made five hundred Ohio Mowers, and
it is not known that any other machines with double drivers were
made, but, for the sake of comparison, the whole number made may be put
at six hundred, Tho number of machines with single driving wheels
made in that year was not fai' from twelve thousand, or in the proper-
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538 BoaDEN, GAIL, OP NSW YORK.
tion of twenty to one. In 1865, of ooe hundred and twenty thousand
luachiaes made, eonsiderably over one half are believed to have been
double drivers. That all, or even a majority of these, were Balls'
Machines, is not claimed, yet there is little doubt that the success and
popularity of hie machine contributed greatly to the change in tie re-
lative numbers of each class, and to the preponderance of the double
drivers.
Itt 1858, the firm of Ball, Aultman & Co. was dissolved, and each
of the original partners proceeded to erect or fit up establishments
which are now among the largest of their class in the West, and which
will be more particularly described in another place. — See Manufac-
tures of Canton, Vol. III.
BORDEN", Gail, of New York, formerly of Galveston, Texas, is an
eminent in ventor, who has extended his explorations into fields compara-
tively untrod by others. His name came prominently before the public
by his invention, in 1850, of a Meat Biscuit, containing in the smallest
possible bulk all the nutritive properties of the beef or other meat used
ill its manufacture. The means by which he accomplished this con-
sisted in combining a concentrated extract of meat with the finest flour,
and thoroughly desiccating the mixture. Beef, freshly slaughtered,
was boiled for a protracted time in a quantity of water, and, after the
careful removal of all fat, the broth, separated from the meat, was evap-
orated by steam heat to a uniform density. This extract, resembling
Byrup, was then kneaded with the best flour, cut into biscuits, which
■were subjected to moderate heat in an oven, and then ground into a
powder for convenieace in packing and use.
The Meat Biscuit received the careful study of many eminent sciea-
tific men in this country and in Europe. Professor Playfair, after a
prolonged examination, pronounced it an excellent article, retaining un-
impaired the nutritive properties of its constituents. Dr. Solly used
even more laudatory language. The report, accompanying the awai-d
of a Council medal at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, says :
"A more simple, economical, and efBcient form of portable concentrated
food than the American Meat Biscuit has never been brought before
the public."
Mr. Borden, however, entertained the idea that the extract might
he perfectly preserved without the agency of the flour used in desicca-
tion, and, after experiments for several years, in which he has been
assisted by Mr. J. H. Currie, and Mr. S. L. Goodale, he perfected a
process by which the pure broth, previously alluded to, is reduced to a
solid form.
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IL, OF NEW TOEK. 539
The cxtiict as it i resent made i? a nut blown sul stince of the
eonsistente of caouttkow read ly dissolved in hot water forming a
broth pOBBeB'iing the flavor of deluately roasted meat Ihe points in
the process which the inventor consideis are of cardinal impoitance
are 1st Caie in the selection of the beef 2d Great piomptnes& in
commencing the ticatment aftei skughter 3d Immediate ind
thorough exhaustion of the meat
By tl e use of tho vacuum pan the hq«id extiact is evaporated at a,
low degree of temperature A product which is so usef il wheiever
an easly portable ahmenfc is de&ired hia met with marled favor
Physic ans emplov it in the sick room as a leady means of making
beef tea of deflaite strength so that they cin now preaci be this sap
porting agent with as much certainty of hivmg a good article made
as thej hase in rogiid to theirordinaiy diugpresciiptions Ihe value
of this eUract in long journeys by land or sei is obv ous and its
geneial use bj explorers and tourists is not a matterof conjectaro As
a means of so peifectly pieservmg the beef of tho great producing dis-
tricts of the West and Southwest, that the expense of transportation to
the consuming cities is reduced to a minimum, this process hecomes
of national importance, and deservedly takes high rank among the
valuable inventions of the century.
While prosecuting his investigations in regard to the preservation
of Meat, Mr. Borden became convinced that Milk could, by some pro-
cess, bo materially reduced in bulk, and preserved for any desirable
length of time.
Several preparations of milk had already been presented bysciontific
men to the public of France, England, and America, but the dispropor-
tion between their price and that of new milk prevented their general
introduction and use. Moreover, many of these preparations contained
foreign substances, designed to resemble those solid constituents of
milk of which they had been deprived ia the process of manufacture,
but these artificial substitutes fell far short of the caseice, oil, and salts
of new milk ia nutritive value. The successful method adopted by Mr.
Borden, after a long series of experiments upon a large scale, was sab-
Btantiallyas follows: The milk is brought by the dairyman immedi-
ately after milking to the factory, where it is subjected to a heating
process preparatory to its evaporation in vacuo. It is then strained
and drawn into the vacuum pan, and reduced to its required density
by the abstraction of about seventy-five per cent, of the water. That
which is to he carried at once to the city is called plain condensed
milk, and resembles a very tenacious syrup. That which is to be
placed in cans is mixed intimately in the process with the best whito
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540 BORDEN, HAIL, OF NEW YORK.
Hiigar and hermetically sealed. This is knowa as Preserved Milk, and
will keep in perfect order for a great length of time, readily dissolving
ia water after the lapse of yeara. This vacuum process, which had
nerer before been carried out, obviates many practical difficulties that
had discouraged those who had previously endeavored to condense or
solidify milk. The high appreciation in which this article is beld by
physicians led to its immediate introductioa into families in our large
cities, and prepared the way for its very general use on voyages.
During our late civil war, Mr. Borden's Milk was very extensively em-
ployed in the Army and Navy, and the concurrent testimony of soldiers
and officers, of those who used it as a luxury and of those who used it
in the hospitals, is of the most highly commendatory character.
Several manufactories of this Condensed Milk are now in operation
in various parts of the country, the firafc having been located in Litch-
field county, Connecticut. In 1860, more extensive Works were
erected on the Harlem Road, Dutchess Co., New York, where three
vacuum pans are employed, capable of working five thousand gallons
of milk per day. The next important factory is at Brewsters, South-
east, Putnam Co., with a large vacuum pan in which five thousand
gallons of milk can be condensed in a day. Mr. Borden is also con-
nected with a factory of a capacity of two thousand gallons, at Liver-
more Falls, Maine, and one of the same size at Elgin, Kane Co., on the
Pox river, Illinois. Connected with the latter is a factory for the
manufacture of the Extract of Beef.
Simultaneously with his experiments in the Condensation of Milk,
Mr. Borden undertook the preparation of a decoction of Coffee in such
a manner as to preserve the line aroma of the roasted berry. The ex-
tract prepared by him contains condensed milk and piiro sugar, and ia
easily soluble in hot water.
He also patented a process for the preservation of the juices of fruits,
as apples, currants, and grapes, by which they may be reduced to one
seventh of their original bulk, and are not then subjected to fermenta-
tion unless dissolved in water. The date of this patent is 23d of July,
1862.
The great success which has crowned the studies of Mr. Borden in
the preservation of Food, may be attributed to the fact that he was one
of the first to appreciate the importance of taking measures to prevent
incipient decomposition or fermentation.
The full developments of the principles adopted by him in the man-
ufacture of these new articles of commerce, has enabled him to preserve
in their freshness and richness the most valuable notritire liquids, and
in such a perfect manner as to cause tourists and explorers to consider
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UN, OF NEW YORK. 541
them among the indispensable necessaries of their jouraeys, rather than
mere luxuries. The value of these products is so highly appreciated
that they are being very extensively employed for culinary purposes in
families and hotels,
ERICSSON, John, of New York, whose name, during the late
Rebellion, became a household word with the Americaa people, by bis
valuable contributions of engineering skill, was born in the Province
of Wenneiaad, Sweden, in 1803. The son of a midng proprietor, his
earliest impressions of machinery were derived from the engines and
apparatus for working mines. While yet a mere boy of eleven, he
attracted the attention of the celebrated Coant Platen, and was ap-
pointed a cadet in the Swedish Engineer Corps. In 1820, he entered
the army as an ensign, and was soon promoted to a iieuteiiantcy. In
1826, he obtained leave of absence for a visit to England, with a view
ofintrodueing his invention of aflame engine, which he had exhibited
in a machine of about ten horse-power. This engine did not realize
his expectations, and involved expenditures which induced him to re-
BigQ his commission in the army and devote himself to meohanics.
Kuraerous inventions followed, among which maybe mentioned the
steam boiler on the principle of artificial draft, for the introduction of
which he joined the established mechanical house of John Braithwaite.
After having been applied to numerous boilers for manufacturing pur-
poses, in London, with success, effecting a great.saving of fuel, and dis-
pensing with the huge smoke-stacks, this invention was applied to rail-
way locomotion on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, in the fall
of 1829. The principle of artificial draft which characterized this en-
gine is yet retained in all locomotives ; but a different mode of pro-
ducing it was soon after accidentally discovered, and the original in-
ventor derived no benefit from it.
In 1833, he reduced to practice his long-cherished project of a Caloric
Engine, and submitted the result to the scientific world in London.
The invention excited very general interest, and lectures were delivered
in explanation of it by eminent scientific men in England; but the
high temperature so affected its working parts, that the machine, as at
first constructed, was not available for practical purposes. More re-
cently, he has succeeded in improving upon the original idea, and has
produced engines with cylinders varying from six to thirty-six inches
in diameter, that are now applied successfully in pumping, printing,
turning light machinery of various kinds, and working telegraphic in-
struments and sewing machines. Several hundred of these are now
in practical operation, but the e.-itent of power attainable by this pro-
cess has not, we believe, even yet been fully ascertained.
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542
HOWE, ELIAS, JR.
In 1839, Mr. Ericsson came to tlie United States, and was employed
under the direction of tlie Kavy Department in the construction of the
United States sl]ip-of-war, " Priacetoo," which was the first steamship
ever built with the propelling machinery under tho water-line and out
of the reach of shot. This \-esseI was distinguished for numerous
mochaniea! covelties besides the propeller, among which were a direct
acting engine of great simplicity, the sliding telescope chimney, and
gun carnages with machinery for checking the recoil of the gun.
Mr. Ericsson's list of inventions are so numerous that if set forth in
detail they would of themselves fill up a volume. At the great World's
Fair in London, in 1851, he exhibited an instrument for measuring
distances at sea ; a hydrostatic gauge for measuring the volume of fluids
under pressure ; a reciprocating fluid metre for measuring the quantity
of water which passes through pipes during definite periods ; an alarm
barometer; a pyrometer, intended as a standard measure of tempera-
ture, from the freezing point of water up to the melting point of iron ;
a rotary fluid meter, the principle of which is the measurement of fluids
by the velocity with which they pass through apertures of definite di-
mensions ; and a sea lead, contrived for taking soundings at sea with-
out rounding the vessel to the wind, and independently of the length
of the lead line. His recent inventions, especially the new form of
iron-clad war vessels, known as the Monitors, are so familiar to intelli-
gent readers that they need not any other elucidation than is given
them elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Ericsson is now a resident of New York, and a most indefatigable
worker. It is no uncommon circumstance for him to pass sixteen hours
a day at bis table in the execution of detailed mechanical drawings,
wbicb be throws off with remarkable facility.
HOWE, Ehas, Jr., the author of one of the great inventions of mo-
dern times, was born in Spencer, Massachusetts, in 1819, His father
was a farmer and a miller, and young Howe aided him in those pur-
saits, attending school in the winter, until he was seventeen years old,
when he was apprenticed to learn the art of the machinist. When he
had attained bis majority be married, abd not long after lie conceived
the idea of making a machine that would sew, at which he diligently
labored in all spare hours after the day's labor. At one time, while in
Lowell, ho earned but fifty cents a day, and when bis wages were in-
creased to sixty-two and a half cents he states that bo felt about as
well pleased as he has ever felt since. For five yeai-s be experimented
on the various movements of the machine, and on the 10th of Septem-
ber, 1846, while residing at Cambridgeport, he obtained his first patent
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HOE, RICHAKD M., OF iSBW YORK. 543
for the first practical Sewing Machioe. " Singularly enougli," says aQ
English chronicler, "bis fellow-country men did not at once see the
merit of his invention, and its introduction to the public was first made
in England. Shortly after his patent waa obtained he sent over a ma-
chine to this country, and disposed of the English patent to Mr.
Thomas, for, we believe, £300 1 Mr. Howe himself visited this coon-
try soon after the arrival of his machine, and superintended its adapta-
tion to the work required to be done by Mr. Thomas — staymaking.
Beyond the £300, we do not see that poor Howe did any good for him-
self over here ; for in 18i9 he returned again to America, so poorly off
that he was obliged to work his way home before the mast."
On his return to the United States he became involved in a namber
of expensive lawsuits to establish the validity of his patent, aad it
was not UQtii 1853 that he granted his first license. Thenceforward,
however, fortune began to smile upon him, and in 1855 he had repur-
chased all the patents be had sold during his season of adversity. He
now receives a royalty upon every Sewing Machine manufactured in the
United States, and his income from this source cannot be less than
1250,000 a year, a large prize for 'an Lnmble mechanic to win, bnt yet
incomparabiy trifling compared with the benefit conferred upon the
world by the gift of his labor-saving machine.
In 1863 he organized a Company, of which he is now President, and
erected a large Sewing manufactory at Bridgeport, Connecticut. See
Manufactures of Bridgeport, Vol. III.
HOE, Richard M., of New York, the inventor of the celebrated Type
Revolving Printing-press, was born in the city of New York, Septem-
ber 12th, 1812. His father, an English machinist, came to the United
States in 1805, and in 1825 commenced the manufacture of Printing-
presses. In this business he was succeeded by his son, Richard, in
1833, who, in association with his brothers, has continued it to the
present time, and established the largest manufactory of Printing-presses
in this country.
In July, 1841, he received a patent for the Cylinder Press with which
his name is identified. It was the first successful type revolving press,
and is now used in all the large daily newspaper printing offices, both
in England and in this country, where a large number of impressions
are reqaired to be thrown off in a few hours. It consists of a hori-
zontal cylinder, fifty-four to sixty-six inches in diameter, on which the
types are laid, and of four to ten printing cylinders, which are arranged
around the front, and tangential to it. The type cylinder and the
printing cylinder are connected by gearing in such a iiianner that their
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544 HOE, RICHARD M., OF NEW YORK.
velocity at tbQ circumference is exactly the same. Each priating cylin-
der is cut longitudioally, and the fingers project through the slit to
take hold of the paper, and relinquish it at the proper moment. Un-
derneath the type cyiindei-s are the inking fountains and the distribut-
ing rollers, and between the printing cylinders are the inking rollers. In
the operation of the machine the feeding is done by hand, the Angers
of the machine closing upon the paper at the right niomont, so that one
sheet may be drawn in at each revolution of the type cylinder. The
sheet thus seized is made to roll around the printing cylinder, and, by
revolving in contact with the type cylinder, receives the impression of
the types. The fingers then open, and the sheet is carried by tapes to
a By which lays it on a receiving table.
Tlie distribution of the ink is attained by a very ingenious arrange-
ment. The portion of the surface of the large cylinder which is not
covered with the form (about two-thirds) is used as aa inking table,
and contact with the printing cylinder is prevented by the fact of the
surface of the table being lower than that of the form of type. The
ink is taken from the fountain and distributed on rollers, the last of
which deposits it on the inking table, and recedes out of reach to let
the form pass. The inkiug rollers between tbo printing cylinders, have
a similar motion to and from the axis of the large cylinder, coming in
contact with the table at each revolution, getting inked, and depositing
the ink on the form of type immediately afterward.
The types are placed on a curved bed between column niles taper-
ing toward the centre in such a degree that, if produced, each face of
the rule would pass at a distance of half the width of a column on the
on the opposite side of the axis of the cylinder. Thus, the sides of the
two column rules which press the same column of types are parallel.
Tbe rules arc held iQ the form by cross-headed projections entering the
bed, and types and rules are pressed together by screws in the sides
and ends of the form — thus tho types are held by friction. The types
in the centre of each column are the only ones perpendicular to the
paper when printing. The press stands high, with platforms for the
feeders, one above the other, and presents to the eye considerable in-
tricacy and comjilication. The rate of speed is thirty to thirty-three
impressions for each cylinder per minute, or from eighteen thousand
to nineteen thousand for a ten cyhnder press per hour. The press is
capable of modification so as to give double the number of impressions.
The London Times is printed on a Hoe cylinder, and many of the
other leading journals in Europe, where over fifty of these presses have
been sold.
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L. 545
LOBDELL, George G., WilmiDgton, Delaware — a distinguiabed
inventor of Railroad Car Wheels and Tires, of which he is the oldest,
and one of the most extensive manufaoturera in the oooiitry.
The mannfacturo of Wheels for cars and locomotives is one of great
responsibility and delicacy, iavoiving not only the pecnniary interests
of railroad coropanles, bnt the safety of the travelling public. As a
host of icgenioos men have attempted to invent a perfect wheel, and
failed, those who have succeeded are entitled to a prominent place amonjj
meritorious inventors, and are entitled to a favorable coasideration from
those having the control of the railroad interests of the country. Mr,
Lobdell was the first who succeeded in producing a reliable plate wheel
— the Bush and Lobdell Wheel ; one that entirely superseded the
spoke wheel formerly used, thereby saving to railroad compauies mil-
lions of dollars, and adding greatly to tbe safety of travel.
Becently he has patented a new form of Single Plate Wheel, for
which important advantages are claimed. The object sought to be
obtained by this invention is a means of strengthening the rim and
flange, which is accomplished by casting a rib on the inside and
opposite to the flange, by which that part of the tread which is espe-
cially subject to wear can be made thinner, thereby effecting a more
durable cblll, Tfao roass of gray metal opposite to the flange SO
strengthens it that breakage is scarcely possible. These Wheels are
guaranteed to be equal to any double plate wheel made, and are adapted
to any service required on a railroad.
Mr. Lobdel! is also the inventor of an improved Hollow Chilled Tire,
that is of a form which is not objectionable on account of unequal chill-
ing of the different parts. These Tires are used largely on Southern rail-
roads and under freight engines, and are believed to be more durable
than wrought Tires, A set of Tires made by Bush & Lobdell have
been in constant use on the Richmond and Petersburg, and Eichtaond
and Danville Railroads, of Virginia, from 1851 to June, 1866 — a period
of fifteen years — and are not worn out.
Mr. Lobdell's Works, at Wilmington, comprise two foundries— one
for Car and Machine Castings of all kinds, and the other for Car Wheels
and Tires exclusively. The former has two cupolas, in which thirty-five
tons of iron can be melted in a day ; while the latter has three cupolas,
in which one hundred tons of iron can be melted every ten hours, and
has a capacity for producing two hundred and fifty Wheels per day.
The Wheels made in this establishment are not cooled in furnaces, but
are gradually and equally cooled by being covered up in hot, dry aaad,
in which they remain until ail danger of contracting from the unequal
35
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546 MOTT, JOItrAN L., OP NEW YORK.
cooliDg of the different parts is passed. The Works also coiitaui al!
the boring mills and lathes necessary for fitting oae hundred wheels per
day, and this machinery can be increased to any desired extent.
Mr. Lobdell has been in the business in which he is now engaged
since 1833, haviag served a regular apprenticeship with Jonathan
Bonney, Esq., a practical founder of great experience. He has made
the manufacture of Kailroad Wheels a special study, and is now, it is
said, the oldest established Car Wheel manufacturer in the United
States.
MOTT, Jordan L., whose name appears on the records of the
Patent Of&ce more frequently than any other, generally in connection
with improvements in Stoves, was bora October, 1198. His ancestors,
both paternal and maternal, came from England and settled on Long
Island as early as 163t.
Mr, Mott is entitled to very great credit for the successful introduc-
tion of anthracite coal. In 1820 but three hundred and sixty-five tone
of this coal were mined, and even then it was deemed almost impossible
to make a fire with it. The late Professor Hare, of Philadelphia, once
said it would be as useless for fuel as paving atones, on account of the
difficulty of ignition. Mr. Mott concluded that the difficulty consisted
in using too large lumps, aad reasoned that as it was necessary to use
small wood to make a quick and lively fire, a like result might be pro-
duced with small coal. His experiments led to the theory, that to
obtain the best results from anthracite coal, the depth of the stratum
of coal on the grate bars must he governed by the size of the lumps,
and the amount or volume of air used in its combustion-— that for
domestic purposes, small nut sized coal only could be made available,
and that in small fire chambers.
lu close stoves or furnaces with ordinary draft, whether for domestic
use or for generating steam for mechanical purposes, the depth of
coal upon the grate bars should he : for pea size, about three to three
and one half inches ; for nut size, from four to six inches ; for egg size,
from seven to eight inches — increasing the depth for larger lumps of
coal. With this depth, the gaseous prodact is carbonic acid, and the
result the best combustion.
With a less depth on the grate to a like amount of air, the coa! cools
OKt, leaving the grate covered with unburnt coal, the outside burnt to
a cinder, the inside unaffected by combustion. With an increased
quantity of coal, the carbonic acid gas, in passing through the enlarged
upper increased depth, takes up more carbon, and is converted into
carbonic oxyd gas, which burns with a renewed supply of oxygen, as
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^EOBGE G LOaOtl->-
"WRWtritec'hurdti. Phila
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t., OF NEW YORK. 641
witnessed in the blue flame on the top of a steamer's smoke pipe, when
using too great a quantity of coal, and wustes a large amount of heat.
All inteUigent engineers know the importance of a thin, clean fire.
Mr. Mott invented a stove to hum small coa!, expressly designed for
the great mass of the community, but found great difBculty in persuading
people to adopt it. He had also to contend with the prejudice of
founders, as they would not manufacture from his patterns, and he was
compelled to manufacture for himself, or abandon the invention. At
that period, the dealers of the State of Kew York, and of all M"ew
England, resorted to the blast furnaces of New Jersey and Pennsylvania
for their stove plates, under the universally erroneous idea that stove
plates must be made directly from the ore ; that plates made at a second
molting woold break. For a brief period, Mr. Mott procured his
plates as others did, but when fh JJ t f m i d th
prices, Mr. Mott resolved to erect [If f th m ft
of his stove. He believed tbat th f i 1 pi t b L g
was due partly to inferior metal la, 1 7 f d d
making ploughshares and road p b t t th fl t f m
of plate, which would not yield t h t f P H t
flat plato of glass nnoqually, and th t w II t t I k
bend or curve that plate, and b t w U m ly [ k th
So with iron. Mr. Mott made h pi t p tt f d t dg
longer than a straight line," by p 11 g fl t g th
device. A month's trial with h It d f f h wn k
with fire of every possible desoript 1 1 m th t b g
was correct, and that the coarse, gh h y pl t f th bltst f
nace would soon give place to th b tfl m th 1 ht]lt f th
cupola. His operations gained th tt t f m d b f
the close of the year cupola funi b t be t d 1
spread over the cities and village t th U
No branch of manufacture has so much improved withm the TJnited
States as that of fine light castings, since Mr. Mott erected his first
cupola, then the only one expressly devoted to making stove caatiQgs.
The area of the monldiag floor of his first workshop was less than six-
teen hundred feet, while the moulding floor of his present Works at Mott
Haven, WestchGater county, New York, exceeds forty thousand feet. At
these Works, bathing tubs six feet long, including flanges, two feet wide,
and twenty-two inches deep, have been cast, weighing, without feet,
less than one hundred and sixty pounds ; believed to be, for estent
of surface, the lightest casting ever made in Europe or America.
Before the invention of the stove for burning small or refuse coal, an
immense heap of refuse, from the several yards on the Schuylkill, had
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648 PITTS, JOHN A., BUFFALO, NEW YOEK.
acccmulated at what is now known as West Philadelphia. This mass
of refuse coal was purchased in 1835 by Mr. Mott, who had it screened
and shipped to the city of New York. This was the first moyement
that g&ve value to the small sizes of coal. In that year he patented
a stove with the following claim, viz. : "forming the exterior or shell of
furnaces, or fireplaces for stoves of various kinds, the bodies of gas
retorts and other apparatus, which are to be exposed to great alterna-
tions of temperature by the combination of separate rings, rims, or
frames of metal, by which means any difference of expansion in the
respective parts may take place without the danger of breaking."
Mr. Mott'a first foundry was located about one mile below Tarrytown,
on the banks of the Hudson. It was the first landing above Sunnyaide,
the residence of Washington Irving, and in compliment to him, the
village was called Irving, and the foundry " The Irving Iron Foundry ;"
but on account of difBculty in obtaining title, Mr. Mott removed his
Works to Morrisania, ajSjoining the Harlem Bridge, being the nearest
point to any part of the city of New York below 132d street, and
the only point toward which city improvements could approach. To
this place the lot owners and inhabitants have, in compliment to Mr.
M.oii, given the name of "Mott Haven." At the time of his pur-
chase, about three thousand five hundred acres of land belonged to tbe
cousins of one family. His deed was the first conveyance to any person
outside nf the family subsequent to 16G8, the date of the purchase of
the original manor by their ancestors. For several years there were
but thirteen tax-payers on the assessment roll for this manor. Since
1846, Mr. Mott has purchased for himself, or as agent for others,
about four hundred acres of these lands, on which, at this time.
dwell a population of over twelve thousand, mostly families owning
or occupying small parcels. Besides "The J. L. Mott Iron-works ;"
the Montaus Iron and Steel Works, manufacturing steel directly from
the ore, by a process invented by Joseph Yates ; also the American
Danamora Iron-works, and others, are located at Mott Haven.
PITTS, John A., Buffalo, New York, born in Angusta, Kennebec
county, Maine, and died in Buffalo, New York, in July, 1859. He was
the twin brother of the late Hiram A'. Pitts, who died in Chicago,
Illinois, in 1860, and when children they were so near alike in personal
appearance that their mother was compelled to mark one to distinguish
him from the other. Both brothers were naturally ingenious and in-
ventive, and acted in co-operation in al! their inventions. One of Mr.
Pitts' first inventions was the Endless Chain or Tread Horse-power,
which has been considerably modified by others, since the expiration
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KOEBLING, JOHN A., TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. 648
of the patent, bat very little improved. The Endless Chaiu Pump,
which is now in general use throughout the country, was also his in-
vention. His attention was suhsequontly directed to improvements in
Agricultural Machines, of which his most important invention was a
combined Thresher and Cleaner, commonly called, and widely known,
as Pitts' Threshing Machine. For a more particular account of the
Works in Bulfalo, whore these machines are manufactured, now under
the management of James Brayley, Esq., see Vol III., Manufactures
of r ~ -
ROEBLINGf, John A., Trenton, New Jersey. This eminent engi-
neer and pioneei manufaetuier ot Wiie Rope was bora in Prussia, in
1806, and educated m that country as a civil engineer. When
twenty-one years of age he entered thepnissian service, and served
for four year? as an assistant m the construction of military roads.
In the year 1831, he emigrated with one of his brothers to the United
States, with a view of farmmg, which occupation he pursued for a
few years in Butler county, in the State of Pennsylvania, In 1835, he
resumed his profession, and was employed on various works in Ohio
and reanaylvania. In the year 1843, he made a proposition to the
Canal Board of Pennsylvania to substitute Wire Ropes in place of Hemp
Ropes on the inclined p)aaes of the Alleghany Portage Railroad, which
in those days connected the eastern and western divisions of the Penn-
sylvania canal. The annual expense of hemp ropes on those planes
was about 820,000. This experiment succeeded, and from that time Mr.
Roebling's Wire Ropes have gradually been introduced on all the In-
chnes. Collieries, and other works throughout the country.
In the year 1850, Mr, Roehling removed from Pennsylvania to New
Jersey, and erected extensive Works near Trenton, which arc now of a
suflScient capacity to manufacture two thousand tons of Wire Rope
annually. This process commences with the iron in the bar or bloom,
which is rolled down into rods, thea drawn into wire and laid into
rope.
The subject of Suspension Bridges was one of Mr. Roebling's favorite
studies in the early period of his professional career. He therefore
took a lively and prominent interest in this matter when the question
of bridging our numerous rivers began to he discussed. In the year
1844, he contracted with the city of Pittsburg to erect a Wire Suspen-
sion Aqueduct over the Alleghany river, in place of the old wooden
superstructure. This was a novelty in, civil engineering. After its
successful completion he contracted with the Monongahela Bricige Co.
for rebuilding their bridge in accordance with a plan that he originated.
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650 TOWEES, WII-tlAM H., BOSTON, SIASS.
Four more Suspeusion Aqueducts, on the Delaware and Hudson canal,
itt the State of New York, were next erected.
la 1852, Mr. Roebling; commenced operations on the Niagara river,
and laid the aaehorage of the Baiiroad Suspension Bridge, which con-
nects the Great Western line in Canada West with the JVew York Central.
The lower floor of this work was opened for common travel in 1854.
la March, 1855, the upper floor was opened for the passage of trains, and
these have continued uninterruptedly ever since. The complete success
of the bridge over the Niagara settled the question of the practicability
of railroad Suspension Bridges.
A Suspension Bridge of one thousand two hundred and twenty-four
feet in a single span, over the Kentucky river, on the Kentucky Central
Railroad, was his nest enterprise, which, however, when half completed,
was stopped by the failure of the Company that undertook the construc-
tion of this portion of the road. This work will be resumed and com-
pleted at no distant day.
In 1856, Mr. Roebling laid the extensive foundations for the towers
of the Covington and Cincinnati Suspension Bridge over the Ohio
river. This work was interrupted in 185T, but resumed in 1863, and
wiJI be completed in 1867. This will be the largest Suspension Bridge
in the world, and no douht the best built and most substantial. Its
cost will bo one and a half million of dollars. During the years of
1868, 1859, and 1860, the fine Wire Suspension Bridge over tbe Alle-
ghany river, at Pittaburg, was erected under Mr. Roebliog's superin-
tendence. The Cincinnati Bridge is the tenth public work of this de-
scription which ho has planned and executed in this country.
TOWERS, William H., Boston, Mass , one of the most versatile
and prolific inventors of the present age, was born in Pickaway county,
Ohio, in 1836, Though not a New Englander by birth, he belongs to
the class who have given a distinctive character to the inhabitants of
that section from the fertility of their inventive genius, applied espe-
cially to the improvement of articles iu common household or personal
use. With one or two exceptions, his name appears upon the records
of the Patent Office more frequently -than any other, generally in con-
nection, it is true, with improvements in small articles ; but among his
inventions are some that form the basis of large and prosperous manu-
facturing companies. His first patent was for an improved apparatus
for giving rest to the arm in writing ; bis second for a hot-air register,
containing the means of moistening the heated air to suit the occupants
of a room ; his third for an improved horseshoe, with flanges to fasten it
to the hoof without the aid of nail.?. He also invented a machine for
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LLIAM H., BOSTON, MASS. 551
opening oysters, and a creeper to E^revent slipping on ice, by which
many serious accidents have no doubt been averted.
In 1860, he directed his attention to the improvement of Brooms,
and, by distributing among the corn strips of cane or reed, succeeded
in producing a much more durable Broom than any heretofore made,
and which has become a favorite one with housekeepers, especially in
New England, where these Brooms are made in large quantities by the
" New England Broom Company."
In 1862, he conceived that the ordinary Dressing Pin would be im-
proved by making a slight spherical or oval enlargement near its centre,
by which, without iaterferiag with its facility of penetration, it would
remain in its place, and not be subject to being easily or accidentally de-
tached. On further experiment he found that the same object could be
obtained hy substituting two slight nieks near the point. He disposed of
his patent to a number of capitalists ia Boston, who have organized a
Company known as " The Union Pin Manufacturing Company," who are
now producing Pins that compare favorably with the best Pins made in
England, They run about twenty machines, each of which makes one
LuDdred and sixty-fipe Pins per minuto.
In the same year be patented a combined Cork and Corkscrew, the
latter consisting of a wire passed through the cork from its top to the
bottom, and bent at the ends, aifording a ready means of drawing the
cork witiiout other aid. Among his numerous inventions of recent
date is an apparatus for Heating Rooms by Gas, and consists simply
of a sheet-iron drum cone, that can be suspended over an ordinary gas
burner. By means of this invention travellers may carry their stoves
in their trunks, aad, if generally adopted, hotel keepers will find their
gas hills unaccountably increased, and their profits from fires in rooms
considerably diminished.
But, probably, the most important invention which he has made
is a new process of Tanning Skins by means of Alcohol. This
has been alluded to elsewhere in this volume, and, if the evidence
of tanners and eye-witnesses is to he believed, it is destined to
effect a revolution in the American system of Tanning. As good
sole leather, it is said, can be made by this process in less than
thirty days, as by the methods ordinarily practiced in four months,
Caif skins of the best quality can he made in from ten to fifteen
days. Swcaled hides can be tanned into leather equally pliable
with that obtained from limed hides, and the loss in weight conse-
quent upon the liming process is by this means saved. The para-
phernalia of tanyards is simplified, and less capital will be required to
conduct the business. His latest experiments have been directed to
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662
producing from raw hide a aubstilote for hard Kubbev, .nd .ppllmble
to ,11 the pnrposes— combs, jewelry, etc.— for which Eubber is now
used.
Mr. Towere possesses thil peouiisr idiosyncrasy of mental constitu-
tion which can scarcely leek upon an article, boworer familiar, without
percemne a means by which it can bo improyod, and It would bo
hazardous to Uisert, while be Is livins, that any trade or manufacture
IS established or safe from innovation.
WILSON, Aluji, B., who la entitled to the credit of having been
among the first to discern the value and future triumphs of the Sewing
Machine, and also of having made the most Important Improvements
en the original machine, was born at Willetl, Cenrtland county, Now
York. His first patent bears date November 13th, 1850 and Is the
filleenth on the Patent Office records for an improved Sewing Machine
Adopting the lock-stltcb of Howe as the one most economical of thread
and best adapted for general use, and to which he has ever since ad-
hered, Mr. Wilson's first aim was to make the stitch with less expense
of time and power than the original required. This he effected by the
use of a double pointed shuttle, making, in combination with the needle,
a stitch. at each forward and backward movement of the shuttle Instead
of one at each throw of the shulUe, as in Howe's machine. He also
patented an improvement in the mechanism for holding and feeding the
cloth to the needle, and thus regulating the length of stitch, an arrange-
ment which has since been extensively adopted by the manufacturers
of Sewing Machines.
On the 13th of August, 1861, Mr. Wilson— who then resided at
Watertown, Connecticut— seenred a patent for an improvement which.
In simplicity, ingenuity, and effectiveness, has seldem been surpassed,
and Is one of the most valuable ever made In the Sewing Machine!
This was for the " rotating hook," which remarkable contrivance was
designed to supersede the shuttle, and to make the lock-stitch with
greater rapidity, neatness, and economy of power. It also dispenses
with the dirt and loss of time in oiling the lubricated slide which guides
the shuttle. With some additional combinations, known as the "four
motion feed," patented In the following year, the rotating book, which
is cut out of a solid steel rod by Ingenleus machinery and attached to
the main shaft of the machine, in Its revolution seizes the loop of thread
in the needle the moment It passes through the cloth, opens it out, and
carries It around the bobbin, so that the thread is then passed through
the loop of the stitch ; this Is then drawn up with the thread in the
needle, so that the two are looped together about half way through the
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■WOOD, WALTER A,, H008ICK PALLS, NEW YOEK. 5o3
cloth, forming the strongest possible seam, showing the slUcliing ex-
actly even upon both sides, with ho threads above the surface to wear
off aad allow the seam to rip. It is hardly possible that any mechani-
cal operation can be conceived that is more simple and -effective than
this invention. Mr. Wilson's claims as inventor of the feed im-
provements have been fully sustained by the courts, and perpetual
iojunctions granted in five different suits against infringers of his patent.
Although the rotating hook, which is a characteristic feature of the
Wheeler & Wilson machines, makes only the lock-stitch, it is claimed
that it does it by the fewest possible movements, and at a very trifling
expense can be adapted to make the chain stitch as well.
Having thus Euecessfully improved the 'Sewing Machine, Mr. Wilson
was fortunate in entering into a business partnership with Mr. Nathan-
iel Wheeler, a practical manufacturer, with wh«m he commenced
building the machines, chiefly hy hand power, in a small shop at Water-
town. The machines thenceforward bore their joint names, and by their
success have carried them throughout the civilized world.
The first Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine was completed early in
1851, and was sold for $125. This machine, after earning many times
its cost for its purchaser, has recently found its way back to the magni-
ficent warerooma of the manufactGrers, on Broadway, in New York city,
where it is now on exhibition as a curiosity. The firm made at first
from eight to ten machines a week, and when the demand increased
more rapidly than their facihties for manufacturing could supply, they
removed to Bridgeport, and fitted up a manufactory which is now
the largest of its kind in the world.
For some years, Mr. Wilson, though still a part proprietor of this
manufactory, has had no active share in its management, and has
resided in Waterhury, Connecticut, where he has engaged in enter-
prises of various kinds.
WOOD, Wawer a., Hoosiek Falls, New York — aa extensive
manufacturer of Agricultural Implements, and a prominent inventor,
who, since 1852, has received upward of thirty patents, principally for
improvements in Mowers and Eeapers.
In 1850, when Mr, Wood became connected with the manufacture,
there was hut one Mowing Machine that could he called really^
successful, although the practicahility of mowing by machinery had
been established earlier by the inventive genius of the late Obed Hus
sey. In 1851, not more than three or four hundred machines were
sold annually, while in 1865, the whole number of Mowers and Reapers
manufactured was hut little short of one hundred thousand. The re-
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554 WOOD, WALTER A., HOOSICK FALLS, NEW YORK.
marltable increase ia this braacii of manufaoturcs isrurthersliowQ io the
fact, that ia 1853 the whole number of machines made hy Mr. Wood
was two hundred aDd seventy, while in 1865 nearly seven thousand five
hundred were produced in his establishment, giving employment to
four hundred and fifty men, and returning an annual value of one mil-
lion of dollars.
The Works of Mr. Wood at Hoosick Palls comprise a main manufac-
tory two hundred and fifty feet by forty-four, four stories in height ; a
Foundry, two hundred by fifty feet ; a Blacksmith shop, forty-four by
eighty ; a Eepair and Pattern Shop, Office and Warehouse, He has
manufactured at the establishment, since 1852, over fifty thousand
Mowers and Reapers, and has a capacity for making twelve thousand
annually.
Mr. Wood was the first to introduce into Europe, snocessfulJy, the
Mowing of Grass hy Machinery. In 1856, he sent, by the hands of a
competent agent, fifty of his machines, which were at once sold, and
operated satisfactorily. In the subsequent year he sent out two hun-
dred and fifty machines, and his exportation of Mowers and Reapera to
Great Britain and the Continent has since then been about one thon-
aand annually. This prosperous and increasing foreign trade estab-
lished by him, now amounts to about one half of the total European
trade in these machines, the English manufacturers supplying the
balance.
Unlike several, whose names have become widely known by dex-
terously availing themselves of improvements originated by others, Mr.
Wood has given indubitable evidence of genius as an inventor as well
as enterprise as a manufacturer. See ante, page 484.
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APPENDIX.
Alphabetioal Artiangement of the Taeiffs of the United States,
Foit iHE Teaks 1842, 1846, 1857, and 1862.
rilBTiSED ai Hekkv Hay, Esq., of the PniLAUELPniA Custom-Hot73e.]
1842.
1816- 1857.
1862.
" boraoie
5
20
4
lb. 5 0.
" oil 110, will tp ut>ellow
20
20
4
lb. 10 0.
" muriatic
" nitrio, or mine foil
20
2(1
20
20
4
1'5
per cent. 10
10
" osalio
-il
20
4
lb. 4 c.
' prrohgneous
" tartaiic, m orystils oi powdei
" sulphnno, oi oil of (itriol
Acicls, all kinds ot, used foi chem
21)
2(1
lb Icl
2(1
20
10
4
4
4
per cent. 10
lb. 20 0.
lb. 1 0.
fnot otberwisfl
loal and mannfaanung pur
percent. 30..
...20.
30
20
....]5
15
provided for,
free.)
Aoida, used for medicinal purposes,
or in the fine artE^ not otlierwise
pro vide a for
Aoorna
i>er cent. 10
10
Ad]ieaiv8pHstei,=ilis
Adzds
Ala, m bottles
" otherwi£B than in bottlos
Alkanet root
iO
30
gal 20ots
' 15 aa
percent 20
30
aO
30
30
24
24
24
24
40
" 35
per gal. 30
'■ 20
per cent. 20
Almonds
lb 3 ofs
40
=0
lb. 4 ots.
Ehelled
" ^ tts
40
30
" 6 ots.
" paste and oil of
Aloes
' tots
free,
30
20
24
4
per cent. 50
lb. 6 Ota.
Alspioe, oil of
Alnm
Ammonia
percent SO
lb Ucts
ler cent 20
30
20
20
24
15
per cent. 50
100 lbs. 60 cts.
per cent, 20
lal
20
10
8
20
" salts
20
10
20
Ammoniae, oruda
20
20
20
20
15
20
■' 20
" ) '■lined
20
20
1'^
" 20
Ijol^
20
20
li
50
Ammunitiovi, exiept gunpowder
^nd mufiket Id^IIs. ....-.-. -
" so-
free,...
free,..
..30..
..20..
...24
free,
Animals for breed
(alive, free.)
per cent. 10
Antimoiiy, omde
Any goods, wares or merchandise
of the growth, prodnco, or man-
uf.^cturo of th.e United States, or
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OP 1842-1863.
of its fisheries, apon which no
drawback, bonnty, or allowaiico
baa bean paid
Apparel, wearing and otber per-
sonal baggage in actual use
Aqua fortis p
Argol
Arms, lira p
free, ...free, ...free,
free,..
... 6...fre
at. 30..
...30
30..
...30 2
;0 ct3..
.100 a
lit. 20..
...20
20..
...15
A t 1
f ibe growth, produce or
■a nut t ire of tbe U. States, or
t t rr t rice, brought back in
th m condition as when ex-
ported, and on whicb no draw-
back was allowed
Artiolas, all, composed wholly or
chiefly In quantity, of gold, sil-
ver, pearl, and precious atones,
BO t otherwise specifled p
Articles not in a crude state, used
in dyeing or tanning, not other-
wise provided for
Artielas, all, not free, and not sub-
ject to anv other rate of duty, raw,
Do do manafiotured
Articles manufautured from cop
per, or ot whitli copper is the
material ot chief vtlne, not
otherwise 'peeified
Aiticlea worn by men, women, or
fchildien, of wkatevHi materiil'j
composed, made up m whole oi
in part by hind not otherwit,.
provided for
Aitifioial feathers
Baggage, pen
Bags, bead, n
lb. 3 cts 30 15
m actual use... free, ...free, ...free,
II part by hand, per cent. 25 30 24
gunny sq.yd. 5 cl
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Bags, woolen
" flax and hemp
" carpet, woo en
" ailk
Balls, billiard
Balsam, copaiva .
of Toln .
" laedioinal
" all kinds of oosmet e
Barege, wool, oolo ed
" wool, gray
" worstel, ors fcandcotton
Barkof corktrees, nnmaniifactn ed
" Pernvian
" all not specially mentioned
" pearl or hnlled
Baskets, wood
" palm-leaf
grass or wl aleb e
Battledores
Bay water, or bay n
Beaas, tonkay
" ranilla
" all other not *^peol^lly men
tioiied
Bed feathers
" ticking, Imon
1862.
I & lb. 18 c.
24 (See Woolens.)
" sides, at, tarpeting
JO
30
24
fSee Mats.)
" spreads, or cover'i, of the
scraps of printed calicoes, sewed,
50..
...25..
...24
Beef
lb 2ct3
20
1^
lb. 1 ct
Beer, in bottles
gal 20cts
30
24
gal. 30 ots
" otherwise tliin in b&ttlei
gal IS ctq
30
24
gal. 20 els.
Beeswax.
per cent l-i
20
15
per cent. 20
Bell cranks
30
30
24
35
" lereis
" 30
30
24
" 35
» pnlls
■' 30
30
24
" 35
" metal, manufactured
'■ iO
SO
24
35
Bellows..
" "5
30
24
" 35
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TARIITS OF 1842-18'
1843. 1846.
30 30....
Bellows' pipes
Bells, of bell-metal, fit only to be
re-manufactured free,
Belts, sword leather per cent. 35
Berries, used fordyeiiig, all exclus-
ively, in a crude state.. tree,
Berries, not otherwise provided for, per cent. 20
Bichromate of potash " 20
BindJEg, oarpet, if worsted " 30
" leather
'■ linen
" quality,.,.
Birds
Bismuth
Bitts, carpenters'...
Bitumen
Blacking
Black, lamp ,
" lead pots....
" lead powder
Blaciders
Blankets of mohair or goats' hair, per cent. 30...
Ble acting powders lb. 1 ot...
Boards, planed per cent. 30...
" rongh " 20...
Bobbin, cotton " 30....
" wire, covered witli ci
Bodkins, all
Bolting-cloths
Bolts, composition
" alphabets
" ohessmen
lb. 8 01
15 20 4
ton, $10.00
per cent. 20
/Of wool not over
. p. lb., Ho.
p. 11)., p. ot. 15;
!r2aandiiot
;r 40c., 6c.
p. lb., p. ot. 30;
ir 40c. p. lb.
12o. p. lb., p.
35.
per cent. 35
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TARIFFS OF 1842-1863.
1842. 1846. 1B57.
20...
...24
Bone, wliale, rosettes
.' tip and bones P- ct. 5 &20 30 4
" wliale.otlioi'iiinnafact'resofper cent. 20 30 24
" " not of the Amei'loan
fifihariea " 12^. ...20 15
" inanufactErea of " 30 30 24
Bonnets, Leghorn " 35 30 24
...30...
.24
Booka, blank " ^^ ^ts..
" periodicals, andother works
in the course of printing antt re-
poblioatlon in tke U. S lb. 20&30c...
Books, printed magazines, pamph-
lets, periodicals, and lllnstrated
newspapers, bound or unbound,
not otherwise prorided for per cent. 8..
Books of engravings, bound or un-
bound " 20..
insirumontfl, profes-
signal, of ]
theU.S
Books, Bpeoiaiiy imported for the
use of aoliools, <
free, ...free, ...free,
free, ...free, ...free,
pair31.25 30 24
■' Jaoed, silk, or satin, for chil-
dren " 25 0 30 24
'• andbcotoes. otleather " SI.25 30. 24
II rubber per cent. 30 30 24
Bootees, for women or men, silk... pair 75 o 30......24
Borax, or tinoal " ^5 25 4
" relined 25 19
Botany, specimens of free, ...free, ...free,
Bottles, apothecaries' 91.75«$2.25 30 24
Bottles, blaok glass 30 24
" perfumery and fancy gross $2,50 30 24
" containing wino or i'hsr
articles gross $3.00 40 30
es, gold or silver...
japanned dressing
cedar, granadilla, eiwny,
all other wood...
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TAHIFFS or 1842-1862.
1842. 1840. 1857.
ifpapi
simff, pap I
othecwise enu-
P<
ily, not japanned
tuoy, not otherwise spec
Braoe bitts
Bracelets, gold o
8'lt--
hair...
Brackets
Bralda, cotton ....
in ornaments, for Tiead-
dresses
hair, uot made up forhead-
liair, made up for head-
" alraw, for making b
01' hats
Branciy
Brass, mannfaetures of, not
wise enumerated ...
" in plates or sheets^.
" in pigs
" old, only fit to be re
facttired
" 30.„...go 54-
gal, Sl.e0....10U 30 g
eiit. 30 30 24
30 30 24
free, 5... free,
battery.,,
lb, laj .
per cent.
lb. 30 .
e, 5..,free,
25 30 24
to 30..„..34
ta 30 24
Braziers' rods, of 3-16 to 10-16 af
aninct diameter )b. 2^ c
Bricks percent. 2
Bridles " 3
Brimstone, crude " 5
■' rolled " S
lb. 1
Bristol stones per fient, 20...
" boards !b. 12J cts...
" " perforated lb. 12J cts...
Bronze oasts
" all manufactures of..,
.24
er ton $3.00
" $6.00
lb. 10 cts.
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TAEIFFS OE 1842-1862,
Bronze matal in leaf , per cent. 3(
" powder " 21
" pale, yellow, white, and
red " 21
" liquid, gold, or bronze color " 2t
Brooms, all kinds " 3(
Brushes of all kinds " 3(
Buckram " 21
Bugles, glass. If cut " 2t
" glass, if not cut " 2;
Bailding-atonea " i{
Bullets
Bullmahes
Bnllion
Banting
Burgundy pitch
Burlaps
Burr stones, nnhound
" bound up
Busts, lead lb. 4 cts ,
Batter lb, 5 otg.
Button mouldB, of whatever ma-
b. 4 CtB.
....20
....15
35
cent. 20
....20
....15
" 10
free,.
free,.
.free,
free.
cent. 30.
.,..25.
....10
per
oent. 35
20.
...as.
....19
" 20
■ 23.
...20.
...15
fSee
Linens.)
free,.
...10.
free.
free.
30...
Cabinet wares
Cables, tarred
" manilla, notarred...
■,s of..
lb, 5 cts...
lb. 4JctB...
Calomel, and all other mercurial
preparations pi
Camel's hair
" pencils, in quill
Cameoa
lb, 2J eta.
lb. 2J Ota.
lb. 2 cts.
per oent. 30
(See Wool.)
Camomile flowers " 20 20 15
Camphor, refined lb. 30 ota 40 30
" crude lb. 5 ets 25 8
Canary seed per cent. 30...free, 15
Caudles, tallow lb. 4 cts 20 15
" was or sperm lb. 8 ota 20 15
" otliBr lb. 8 ota 30 15 lb.
Candlesticks, alabaster various, 40 30
" glass-cut lb. 45 ots 40 30
lb. 30 c(9.
bush. $1 00
lb. 8 ota.
2§ and 5 cts.
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TARJFIS OF 1849-1862.
1846. 1S57.
Can die Stick a, spa ,
" all other..,
Caady, augar
Canes, walking, finished
Cannon, brasa or iron "
Canvas, for floor-oloth or weariag-
appai'el, linen "
Caoutchouc gums
Cap wire, covered with, silk lb,
" " ootton thread 1)
Caps of ohip, lace, leather, cotton,
silk, linen, etc p. ct.
Caps, gloves, leggins, mitta, socks,
stockings, wove-abirta and draw-
ers, and all similar articles marie
in frames, and wori by men,
women, or children, and not
otkerwiaa provided for per o
Caps, lace, sewed or not p. ct.
Capsules per c
Carbonate of magnesia
" sal, or brinal of soda...
lb, 6 Ota...
... pet cent. 30...
Carboys eai
Carbuncles per
Card cases, of whatever material
Cards, playing pack
Carmine, water color per ce
" a lic[uid dye "
Carpets, Aubusson, Wilton, Sax-
ony, Axminster, Tournay or
tapestry velvet, Brussels Jao-
qaard, and medallion sc|.yd.
Carpets, Brussels and Brussels ta-
pestry yd. 56 ots,
Carpets, treble ingrain, Venetiaoi, sq, yd. 30
" hemp per cent. 30,
" jute
" druggets and bookings.... sq.yd. 14 ots.
" all other
" matting
" binding
Carriages of all descriptions, and
parts thereof
0 30..
...24
' 30..
...24
■ 30..
..M
1 20..
... fi
D 20..
.. S
1 20,.
..15
a 30..
...24
0 10..
.„ 4
3 80..
..24
s 30..
...24
0 30..
...24
..15
s 30..
...24
30..
..24
30...
.,24
20..
..15
20...
..19
2G..
..19
30...
-.24
25..
..19
25..
..19
30...
..24
...24 ( p. lb. addition'!
( (chip,) p. ct. 40
...241 (cotton,) p.ot. 33
lb. 6 cts
lb. J ol
pk. 15 and 25 cts.
Under$1.25p. a.
yd. 45 0. p. yd;
24 p. s^. yd. 28 ots.
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TARirPS OF 1843-]
1843.
1846.
perct.
1857.
1863,
per cent. 35
Carvers " 30..
....30..
....24
Castmere, boi'dere of wool " 40..
....30...
....241b.l8cts,S:p.ct.30
of Thibet " 20..
...25...
per cent. 35
(See WooLJ
....30.,.
,.,.24
" gown pattenig, wool
being a component material " 40.,
.,..30...
...24 lb,
.18ot3.&p,ct,;-iO
Cashmere gowns, made " 40..
....30...
,...24
Bhawls, Thibet " 40..
....30..,
....24
per cent, 3S
" " wool being a
Cisk'- omptj " 30
30
24
per cent. 35
Caasia Chinese, Caleutii ind Bu
matri lb 5 cts
40
4
lb. 15 eta.
Cassia, bads per cent 20
20
4
lb. 20 ots.
CiBBimere, woolen " 40
30
24
(See Wool.)
" cotton wool being a
component part, chief valne " 40...
....BO...
...24
(See Wool.)
Castings, iron, eren if with
wrought-iroD ringa, hoops, han-
dle;,, etc lb I&Uots
30
24
per cent. 35
Caator beaua pel cent 20
20
fre«.,
bnah. 30 cts.
" Oil gal 40ot8
20
Ti
gal. 50 cts.
Caatora, brisa, iron oi wood per tent iiO
^0
24
per cent. 36
or gruels, ailvei " 30
jO
24
35
plated " 30
30
24
35
wood " 30
"0
24
35
Tastor gHs-ies, not m the frames
or orueta, ont gross $2 50
40
30
35
Castor glasses, not m the frames
or cruets, not cut " $4 00
30
24
" 30
Catgut per cent 15
20
15
" 30
CatSEp " to
■w
24
40
Caustic " 20
SO
24
" 20
Cement, Roman " 20
20
15
20
Chafing iliihea ' 30
ill
24
" 36
(
chsln curts, gilt, p.'
Chain;
1, all
llj.2j&4cts„.
.,,.30,.,
,,,24 (
Jino, fto,, 2K 0. p=r
per cent. 35
10
Chalk,
red
" 20,..
... 4
red, pen
oils
" 25...
,.,30...
...24
" 30
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614 TAEiFi'S OP 1842-1862.
1843. 1843. 1857.
Ohalt, FrencJi.... ,..,. per cent. 20 20 4
" wMte tree, 6
Chambray gauze, cotton, as cotton, per cent. 30 25 24
" if wool is a component
part : " 40 30 34
" of silk only. lb. 32.50 25 19
CtandeUers, brasa per cent. 30 30 24
" glass, cat lb. 45 ots 40 30
f^^rte frea 10.,.free,
" boots pBrcent.20 10 8
Checks, cotton » 40 26 24
" princess, wool " 40 so 24
" " worsted " 40,
" linen <' 25.
Cheese ib. Beta.
Chemioai preparations, not other-
wise enumerated per cent. 30,
Chenille, cords or trimming of,
cotton , " 3o_
Chessmen, bone, ivory, rice or
Chicory coot
" ground
China ware
Chip hats or bonnets
Chisels, all
Chloride of lime
Chocolate
Ohroiaate of potash
Chromic, yellow,
aoid
Chronometers and parts
Cinchona, PerttTian
Cinnabar
Cinnamon ,
Citron, in its natural state...
" preserved
Clasps, all
Clay, ground or prepared
" unwrought
Clayed sugar, white
Cloaks, of wool
Clocks ,
Cloth, India rubber
per cent, 10
ton, $4.00.
(as cotton.)
24 (See Wool.)
19 lb. 2ets. &p.ot.30
15 as Linens.
free
free
free
Ib. 2 et3.
r cent 20
20
15
lb. 3 Ct9.
" 30
^0
H
per cent, 35 ;
ornamented, 40.
" 20
20
15
per cent. 20
35
30
a
40
" 30
30
24
35
lb let
10
4
100 lbs. 30 cts.
lb, 4 cis
20
15
lb. 7 cts.
■ cent 20
20
15
lb. 3 ots.
ton, 85.00
lb. 4 cts.
(See Wool.)
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1843. 1846. 1857.
Cloth, woolen
" oil, 50 ota or leas
" " oTerfiOota
Clothing, readj-made
" of wool
Cloves
Coaches, or parts thereof
Coaoh ftttnitnre of all descriptions.
Coal, bituminouB
Coal-hods
Coatings, mohair or goats' hair....
Cobalt.
Coohlneal ..,
Cooks
" shells
Coooa-nuts, West Indies
Codfish, dry
Coffee, when impovted in Ameri-
can vessels from the place of its
growth
Coffee, the growth or piodnotion
of the possessions of the Nether-
lands, imported from the Nother-
Coffee, all other
Coffee-mills
Coins, caWnets of
Coke
Cold cream
Cologne water
Colors, water
Combs
Comforters, made of wool
Comfits, preserved in sugar, bran-
dy, or molasses
Commode handles
" knobs
Compasses
Composition of glass or paste, set,
Coney wool
Confectionary, all, not otherwise
provided for
t. 40...
.30...
("See Wool,)
yd, 35cts 30 24 per cent, 30
" 35 ets 30 24 " 35
per oent. 20 20 15 " 25
" 50 30 24 " 35
" 50 30 24 lb. 18 o. & p. e. 30
lb. 8 cts 40 4 lb. 15 ots.
per cent. 80 30 24 per oent. 35
30 30 34 " 35
ton, $1.75 30 24 toE$1.10(28bns.)
" (1.75 30 24 " 60 cts.
percent. 30 30 %■
" 20 25 1!
" 20.... ..20 15 " i
free, 10 4 frei
par cent. 30 30 24 per cent, £
lb. 1 ot 10 4 lb. 3cti
per oent. 20 10 4 lb. 2 oti
free, 20 4 fret
owt. Sl.OO 20 15 lb. I 01
free, ...free, ...free,
per cent. 20 20 15
30 30 24
free, ...free, ...free,
bash. 5 cts 30 24
per cent. 25 30 24
" 25 80 24
25 30 24
25 30 24
40 30 24
" 35 40 30
30 30 24
30 30 24
" 30 30 24
" 20 30 24
" 10 10 8
25 30 24
lb. 2 cts 20 15
Ih. 10 cts.
lb. \ 01.
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576 TARIFFS OF 1843-1863.
1842.
1846
1857.
1862,
per cent. 30
....20
....15
...15
....34
per cent. 30
" 30
Copper plates and sheets, otlier...
lb. 2 cts.
...,30.
Copper, for the use of the mint..
free,.
free,.
free,
" in pigs, bars
free, .
... 5.
free.
!b. 3 ois.
" old, fit only to be re-man
ufaetured
free, .
.... 5.
free,
lb. IJ cts.
" maaufaotures of, not otli
erwlse speoifled
per cent. 30.
....30,
..,.24
per cent. 35
free,.
free,.
free,
per cent. 5
" rods, bolts, spikes Snails
lb. 4 ets.
..,.20.
..,.15
Copper, sheathing for ships, when
14 inohes wide and 48 inched
long, and weighing from 14 to
Ih. 2 cts.
per oent. 20
free.
.,,,15
...,15
Coral
per cent. 20
...,20.
" cnt or manufactured
" 30.
.,..30.
....24
per oeut. 30
Cordage, tarred
lb. 5 ots.
....25.
...19
lb. 2J cts.
" nntai-red
lb. 4J cts.
....25,
....19
ih. St Ots,
maQilla
lb. 4 J ots.
....25.
gal. 60 ots.
gal. 75 cts.
per cent. 35
50
Corks
" 30.
....W..
Cork-tree, baik of, unmanufactar'c
free,.
...15,.
... 4
30
Corn, Indian, or maize
bush. 10 ots.
....20.
...15
bnsh. 10 ets.
" meal
...20,.
.,,15
per cent. 10
per cent. 50.
35
50
lb. i ot.
Cotton
lb. 3 Ota.
free,.
free,
Cotton,unbleaoh'd,100thr'dSBq.i3i.
or less, and oyer 5 oz. p. yd.
per cent. 30.
..,25,
,..24
sq. yd. I^ ots.
1<I0@140 thr'ds, not E oz.
30..
...25..
...34
■' 2^ Ota.
140@200 thr'ds, "
" 30.
..,25..
...24
" 3J cts.
over 200 thr'ds,
" 30.
...25..
...24
" bleaohed, 100 thr'ds stj. in.
or less, and over 5 oz
" 30..
...25..
...34
" 13 cts.
100@140 thr'da, not 6 oz.
" 30..
...35..
...24
3 ots.
I40@200 thr'ds,
30..
...35..
..,24
" 4i cts.
over 300 thr'ds,
. " 30..
...25..
..,24
" ^ cts.
" colored, 100 thr'ds sq. inoh
or less, and over 5 oa
" 30.,
...25..
...24S.-V
.2Jc.&p.ot. 10
. 100@140 thr'ds, not 6 on.
" 30..
...35..
...24 "
3Jo. " 10
140@200 thr'da,
" 30..
...25..
...24 "
4io. " 10
over 200 thr'ds, "
" 30..
..25..
..24 "
EJo. " 10
" other plain woven, costing
over IS ots. s([. yd
" 30,.
,.25.,
„34
" 30
i.Google
Cotton, all manufactures of, no
otterwise enumerated.
per cent. 30..
..25..
...24
per cent. 35
Ootton baggiDg, 10 ots. lb. or less
sq
yd. 4 cts..
...25,
...15
lb. 2J cts
" " overlO cts. lb....
" 4 cts..
...25.
...15
lb. 3 cts
" bracea, or suspenders
per cent. 30..
..30..
...24
per cent. 35
" oaps, gloves, leggins, mitts
aocfca, stockings, wove- shirts
30
20 15^24
" 35
Cottou embroidery, or ioas
25
21
24
" 35
" hosiery, unbleached
30
20
15
" 35
" laoe, including ljobl)inet
20
2j
24
25
" lacea, inserting^, trim
mings and briids
" -io
25
24
25
" spool and other thread
dO
26
34
40
' twist, yam, and thread, il!
othei on spools or otherwis
m
25
24
" 40
Counters
20
SO
24
" 35
Court-plistei
" 30
^0
24
35
Cranlcs, mill, of wrought iron
lb 4 cts
JO
24
lb. 13 cts
Crapes, silk
lb S2 10
25
l^l
^ per cent. 40
Craali, SO ot^ or less
pe
roent 25
30
15
35
" over 30 ota
35
20
15
35
Cravats
50
ao
24
per cent. 35 & 40
Crayons,
25
30
24
30
Crayon pencils
35
30
24
30
Cieam of tiitir
free.
20
4
lb; 10 ota
Crockery
pe
r cent 30
30
34
per cent. 35
Crucibles, all
P
t20&30
30
24
" 30
Cubebs
20
20
15
lb. 10 ots
Cudbear
in
10
4
per cent. 10
Cupboard tucn^
" 30
-0
24
35
Currants
lb 3 ota
40
8
lb. 6 cts
Cartain rings
pe
rcent 30
30
24
per cent. 35
Cuteh
" 10
10
fiee,
" 10
CutlaBses
30
30
24
" 35
Cutlery, all kinds
,0
30
24
" 35
Daggers and dirks
30.,
..30..
...24
" 35
DiiteB
lb l(t
40
8
lb. 2 ots
Decanters, out
lb
25 to 45 c
40
30
per cent. 35
pUin
b Ucts
30
34
" 30
Dcliin^s, gi^y
pe
cent 41!
■iO
24
I
" 30
p.c.30&s.y.2c
coloied
4(1
SO
"1
val. above 40c
pers.y.SBp.ot
Demijohns
IStoSOc.
„30.
...24
per cent. 35
Dentifrice
..30..
...34
50
i.Google
TAEIPPS OF 1842-1*
Diaper, linen
Diapers, cotton
Dice, iToiy or bone ,
Dimities and dimity musli
Distilled vinegar, medicinal gal. 8 cts.
Dolls, of every desoription j
Down, all kinds
Drawer-knol)s of any material
" " entirely of cut-glass
Drawers, Guernsey,
worsted
Drawers, knit, witliout needle-
Drawers, silk, wove
" eoftoD, wove
Drawing-feniveB
" pencils
Drawings
DrillingB, linen
' if cotton be a component
material, subject to the regula-
tions respecting cotton clotts...
Drugs, dyeing, not otherwise enu-
merated
" djeing or tanning, in a
ornde state
otle'
ennmer-ifftd m a crude fctafe p
Dntijt metal m leaf
Dyeing articles crude
Dyeing drufci and n atenals for
composing Ijes crule not oth
erwise enumerated
'■ u
...30 24
" 25.
...15 12
" 35.
-20 15
" 35..
...20 16
" 30..
...25 24
" 20..
...30 24
" 30..
...25 24
gal. 8 cts..
...30 24
r cent.-SO..
...30 34
" 25..
...35 19
30..
...30 24
lb. 45 ets..
...40 30
r cent. 25..
...30 24
" 30..
..30 24
" 30..
-.30 24
" 40..
..30 24
" 80...
..20.15&24
..30 24
" 25...
..30 34
20...
..20 8
" 25...
..20 15
30...
..35 19
" 20...
.20 4
free,...
.20. ..free.
cent. 20...
.20 15
" 25...
.30 15
20...
.20...ftee,
Earth I 0 1 lb. 1
" brown, red, blue, yellow.
h cts..
1 ct..
.30..
30..
.SO,,
...30..
..30..
..40..
...30..
...21
..15 100
..34 per oe
..30
100 lbs. 1*
lbs. 50 ctB.
nt. 20 & 35
35
Ebony, manufaot'res of, or of which
It is the material of chief value,
Elastic garters "
i.Google
TARIFFS OF 1842-1862.
Embroideries, all in gold or silver,
fine, 0
.r half fine, or othei i
aetal,
cent 20
30
24
per cent. 35
Embroider7, if done by hind
' SO
30
24
35
Emeralds
1
10
4
5
Emery ,
free.
20
g
lb. 1 ct.
" cloth cotton
cent aO
25
24
" 35
Emetio,
tartar, medicinal
" 20
30
24
lb. 15 OtB.
Engravings, books of, bound <
>rnot,
" 20
10
8
per oent. 20
Epaulettes, all
pc
t 25 & 30 25^30
24
" 36
gold
trep
Epsom Kalta
per
cent ■'0
20
15
lb. 1 ct.
from25c.parlb.
Essence,
25
30
.|
to $2 per oz. and
others 50 p. ct.
Etchings
or engravings
" 20...
,...10...
... 8
per cent. 20
per
....20...
...20...
....15
...15
" 30
20
" sulphuric
" 20...
25..,
....30...
....24
40
" 10
" 40
cicata
" 25...
,....=in...
....?/!
25,:,
...30...
...24
gentian
" 25...
....m...
...34
40
40
<'
indigo
logwood
...20...
... 4
10
"
^"^^^'■■l
20...
" 25...
...20...
...30...
... 4
...24
" 10
40
" 40
«
"
rhnharb
25...
...30...
...24
" 40
" 25...
.„30„.
...24
Extract 3
and decoctions of
dye-
woods.
not otherwise provided
for
■■' 35...
25...,
...30....
...30,...
...24
,.24
" .35
Paatenings, shutter or other, of
ooppor,
. iron, stoe!, brass.
fiilt.
plated
or japanned ,
' SO....
,..ao....
..24
35
Feathers,
ornamental
25....
..30....
..24
40
25....
...30....
..19
..24
TUlturea', forduate'
rs....
" 40
' 30...,
30....
,..20....
...20....
..15
...15
FifeB, bone, i^'orj, or wood...,
" 30
Figs
lb. 2cts„.,
..,40....
.. 8
lb. 5 cts.
i.Google
580 TARiFra op 1842-1863.
1342. 1846. 1357. 1883.
peret, per ct.
Figures, alabaster per oent. 30 40 JSO per cent. 10
" other " 30 30 24 '< 10
Filberts lb. 1 ct 30 24 lb. 2 cts.
Files percent. 30 30 24 p. ct. 35 & lb. 2 c.
Filtering-Btones " 20 30 24 per cent. 20
" utunannfaetured... " 20 20 15 " 10
Kre-crackers " 20 30 24 box, 60ct9.
" Irons or Boraens " 30 30 24 per oent. 35
Fish, in oil " 20 40 30 " 30
" mackerel 20 16 bbl. $2.00
" " pickled bW. $1.50 20 15 "
" ealmon, pickled "$3.00 20 15 " $3.00
" other " inlibla " Jl.OO 20 15 " $1.S0
" glue, called isinglass per cent, 20 20 15 per cunt. 30
" hooks " 30 30 24 " 35
" Banoe " 30 30 24 " 35
" Bkins, raw. " 20 20 15 " 20
" skin cases " 20 30 24 " 35
Fisheries of the U. States and their
territories, all products of free,... free, ...free, free.
Fishing-nets lb. 7 ets 20 IS per cent. S5
Fishing-lines, silk lb. 8 cfB 30 24 " 40
Flageolets, wood, bone, or ivory... per cent. 30 20 15 per cent. 30
Flannels, except cotton 8.y.l4o.&40 25 19 I ^" "tJ^' '^'"^'^
I. at ou 0. p. aq.yd.
Flasks, or battles, that come in
■ ginoases gross S3.00 30 24 per cent. 30
Flaaka, powder, brass, copper, Ja-
panned or born per cent, 30 30 24 " 35
Flat-irons lb. 3^ cts 30 24 lb. 1^ eta.
Flats, for making hats or bonnets, per cent, 35 30 24 " 30
Flas, unmanafaotured ton S20 IB, ..free, tonlS15.
" all manufactures of, or of
which flax is a component part,
not otherwise specified per cent. 35 20 15 per cent. 30 to 35
Flaxseed " 5 30 15 bush. 16 eta.
Flies, Spanish, or oantharides free, 20 ;15 lb. 50 eta.
Flints free 6 4 per oent. 10
Flints, ground free, 30 4 " 10
Floss silk, and other similar silks
purified from the gum per cent. 25 25 19 " go
Flour of wheat 113 lbs. 70 0 20 15 " 20
" other grain per cent. 20 20 15 " 20
Floor, sulphur free, 20 15 " 20
Flowers, artificial per cent. 25 30 24 per cent, 40
Flowers, all, not ofherwiae pro-
Tided for " 30 20 15 " 10
,y Google
TAEIFfS OF 1 842-1
1843.
Flutes of wood, ivory, i
Foi], ooppec
Forks, all
Fossils
Frames, or stioki for umbiallla or
parasols pi
" plated oruet
' ' quadrant
" BiUei (.ruct
Frniitini.en&e i gum
Pimgcg, aotton
Frost g, glass
Fiuits, piesecved m brandj- oi
?ugar
juiee
Frying pans p
Fullers' boards
Furnituie, ooacli and liiniegs p
" brass, copper, iion, or
afeel, not coacli or h^rnesa
Furniture, household, not otter
wise specified
Fur, diessed, all on tlie skin
" hats 01 Pips of
" hat bodies or felts
" muffs or tippets, or other
mannftotures not epeoiflecl
Fnie, hatters, die»sed, not ou the
Furs, undressed, ill kinds of, on
the skin
Gallooni, ^old and silvei, fine or
halt ine
ftall?, nnt
fiamboge crude or relinoii p
Game bi^s, leither oi twine
Garden seeds, not otherwise speoi
free 40 3O&20 <!
cent ^0 30 -4
lb 12+ 30 2i
,y Google
OF 1842-1862.
Garters, India-mbbec, with, clasps
Gelatine
" ■ 30,
1.
. per cent. 30.
" 30..
0. " 2S..
" SO..
" so-
il). $2.50..
. per cent. 30,.
" 30..
. gal. 60@90o .
. lb. 2 ofe..
. lb. 4 ots..
. per cent. 26..
" 20..
" 30..
, ^ 2 to 12 / ..
y aq. ft. ( ..
. gross $2.25..
. various,..
. lb. 35 cts..
. per cent. 30,.
lb. 45 ots..
various, ..
lb,25a45ots..
per cent. 25..
t
Ib.l0al4cts...
...30.
...10.
...30.
...30.
...30.
...30.
...30.
...25..
...20.
...30.
,100..
...40..
...30..
...40.
..,20.
...30.
...20,.
...20„
..20..
..30..
..30,.
..20..
...'2.5..
..30..
..40..
..30..
..30..
..30..
..40..
..30..
..30..
..30..
..30..
..20..
..20...
..20...
....34
... 4
..,.24
...24
...24
...24
..,24
...19
...15
..,24
...30 ga
...15
...24
...15
...15
...24
...15
...15
...15
...15
...24
...24
...19
...24
...30
..24
...34
..24 Bq
...30
..24
...15
..24
-.24
..15
..]5
..15
per cent. 35
35
Gems set
25
German silvei', maiiufaotarad
Gilt fanoy wares, Jewelry, wire, el
Gimlets
35
" 35
40
" 35
" 35
. $1.00 to $1.40
lb. 6 cts.
lb. 8 ots,
per cent. 40
" 20
30
sq, ft. 3 cts.
" 5 cts.
" 8 cts.
" 8 ots.
per cent. 30
" 30
free.
per ceat. 30
" 35
" 35
10
" 30
ft. 4 to 60 cts.
par cent. 35
" 30
" silk
" thread, linen
" wire being a oompoce
part, of oliief value....
Ginger, green, ripe, or diied
" g-'onnd
" preserved or piotled
Glass, all articles not specified...
" orowB, plate, polisied, o
other window—
" 16X24
over IJ lb. per sq.ft. on ex«
" apotbe caries' vials, 16 ox.
" bottles, black
" broken
" buttons, out, entirely of...
" out, engraved, colored, et
" diaks, optical
" looking, plates, silvered..
" manufactures of, all vessa
or wares, of out glass....
" manufactures of, all otter
not specially meationed.
" pressed, plain or mould, no
out, colored or engraved
" rough plate, cylinder.
" 30
sq. ft. f ct.
" 1 ot.
" IJet.
" 16X24
24X30
i.Google
1842. 1846. 1857. 1882.
petet. perot.
OlaSB, rough plate, cylinder,
not over 24x30, and not
over 1 lb. per sq. ft... 30 15 sq. ft. 2 cts,
over 1 lb. pec eq. ft. pays an
additional duty on the
excess at tbe same rates.
Gloaeea, bour per cent. 33 30 24 per cent. 35
Glauber salts " 20 20 15 lb. J ot.
Glaziers' diamonds " 25 15 12 per oent. 10
Globes " 30 30 24 " 36
eioTes doz.50 cts.
to $1.50
&p.ct.30 20&30 24 percent. 35to40
" hair per oent. 25 30 19 per cent. 30
Glue, all lb. 5 ota 20 15 " 20
Goats' skins, ravr percent. G ,10 4 " 10
" " tanned doz. $1.00 20 15 " 35
Gold, all articles composed of per oent, 30 30 24 " 35
Goldleaf " 20 15 12 500 leayes, S1.50
" beaters' brine " 20 20 15 free.
" " moulds " 10 10 8 per cent. 10
" " skins " 10 10 S " 10
" dust free, ...free, ...free, free.
" embroideries per cent. 30 30 34 per cent, 35
" murifttaof " 35 20 15 " 20
" oslde of " 35 20 15 " 30
" paper, in sheets, strips, or
otter forms lb. 12^ cts 30 34 " 35
" shell for painting " 20 30 24 " 35
" size " 20 20 15 " 20
" studs " 20 30 24 " 35
Grapes, not dried " 20 30 8 " 30
" 35 30 24
" Biaal ton $25 35 19
Grease per cent. 10 10 8
Green turtle " 20 20 15
Gridirons " 30 30 24
Grindstones free 5 4
" unfinished free 6 4
Gunny b^s sq. yd. Sots 20 15
Guano free,... free,... free,
" imitation of free, 20„.freB,
Guitars per cent. 30 20. 15
Guitar strings, gut " 15 20 15
Gum Benzoin, or Benjamin " 15 30 S
,y Google
TARirrs OF 18i3-1862.
Gam oopal j
" ela^tio articles
" Senegal, Arabia, and Traga-
oaiith
" all, and all otter resinons
not specified, in a
Hnm, anljBtituie, burnt floTir
starcli ,
GumB, modloinal, ia a, crude s\
Qim looks
Gnnpoivder .,
Gnna (except maskets and rifles), pe:
Guts, sheeps', salted
Gntta percha, unmanufactured
Gypsum, or plaster of Parifj
Hair, Angora goats', i\
, IS e
do.
var IS Ota.,
" all manufaotures of goats' or
mohair pi
" braoelets, chains, ringleta,
and onrls
" braids, for the head
" ottrled, for beds
" for head-drsBsea
" glOTea
" penoila
" powtter, not perfumed
" powder, perfumed, all othera
not Bpecilied
" unrntnufaotuied
" humin, unolemed
Hamea, wood
Hammers, not black gmitbs
Hmdlea for chests pi
Hingmga, piper
" 30.,
30 ;
free,..
10
r cent. If,.,
20. .S&]
]5..
....10
15..
....20 1
30..
....30 S
lb. 8ci6„
..,,20 1
.r cent. 30.
30 :
" 30..
....20 ]
....20
free,..
.free, ..frei
lb. 1 ot..
....20 1
lb. 1 ot..
....20 1
r cent. 20..
....25 1
" 25..
....30 2
" 25..
....30 2
" 25..
....25 1
30...
....20 1
" 35..
....30 2
25..
....25 1
" 25...
....30 2
20...
...,30 2.
" 30...
,...30 2
20..
,...30 2
" 20..
,,.,30 2
25..
,...25 1
10...
,...10 1
" 10...
....10 ;
35.,
...,30 2.
30...
..,.30 2.
lb. 3 eta...
...20 li
■ ceut. 30...
....30 a
" 35...
...20 1!
5...
.,.10 !
20
■ " 35
:ess than 20 ota.
6ots.p.lb.;over
20 eta. B Ota. per
lb. & 20 pet ct.
per cent. 35
" 20
10
,y Google
EARirFS Of 1843-1862.
1842
Haro stms, dressed p=i '-•■nt 20
HicHemoil " ^^
Harness. " ^^
" furniture " '"
Harps iitd iarpsiotorJ^ ^^
Haitsliom " ""
Hatchets " ^"
Hat felts, or 1iod:n3, ot wool, not
pat in form or tcimniBd eaclilB cti,
Hat bodies, cotton percent 60
Hats, Legtom " "^
" of chip, straw, or grass.. " 3S
" of wool eaolLlBota
" ftllotlier percent "^5
Hautboys -
Haversacks, of leather " 3^
Hayfcniyes " ^0
Head-dressea, ornaments for " <*
Hemlock " ^'^
Hemp, all manafactures of, uot
Otherwise speeifled ■■ " ^^
Hemp, a component part " 20
" Manilla *<>" 5^^
" Be«d percent -0
" unmanufactured. ton 540
Henbane percent 25
Herrings bbl. SI lO
Hides, raw and salted percent S
■' tanned " ^0
Hobby-iiorses " ^^
Hods " ^^
Hoes " -"
Hollow-ware, tinned Hi- 3t ats
Hones " ^**
Honey " ^^
Hooks, all " ""
Hooks and eyes " ^^
Hop. ;; 2n
Hora combs " ^ '
" plates for lanterns " 2U
Horns " "
Honaetold furniture " ■'"
■' " of cedar, gra-
nadilla, ebony, jnalioganj', rose,
and satin wood " ^^
Hydrometers, of glass " 2S
bbl. 81.
par cent. 10
er cent
30
gal. 15 ats.
er cent
■Jb
lb. S cts.
er cent
35
i.Google
TAEIFFS OP 1842-]
Imitation of precious stones
Implements of trade of persons
arririogin the United States
India grass
" ruMar, unmanufactured
India rubber, boots and shoee pi
" " otter mauufaotuces
of India rubber. ...
" " milk of
" " suspenders
" " webbing
Indian meal 1]
Indigo.
1842. 1846. 1857.
free, 20 ...free.
Int..
lb. 5 ots...
Ink-powder
iBk-stands, glass cnt...
" all other ...
Instruments, phi It
" " specially
imported
InventionB, model of
Iodine pi
" salts of
Ipeeao, or ipecacuanha
Iridium
iron, anchors lb. 2 J ots. „
lb. 2J 0(3...
3b. 4ctB...
lb. 4 cts...
malleable iron in castings...
band, hoop, and slit rods, all
other lb. 2iots
bars, flat~I@7 in. wide, and
|@2in. thiok (not leas than
30 percent.) ton 325
bars, round, J@4iii.diam. do. " 25
" square, 4@4in,sci'redo. " 25
bed screws and wrought
iiuges per cent. 30
blacksmith liamm.& sledges, lb. 2J ots
boiler plates lb. 2J cts
cables, chains, and parts lb. 4 ota.
cast-iron Teasels, sads, tail-
ors' & batters', stoves, and
stova-platea ll>. IJ cts
oast-iron pipe, steam, gas
and water lb. IJcts,
lb. 2^ cts.
Jb. 2J cts.
lb. li ctf
lb. S 01
,y Google
TAEIFFS
OP 1843-1863.
5 ST
1843.
18«.
1867.
18G2.
Iron, cast-iron butts and hinges...
lb. 2J ct3..
....30..
....24
lb. 2 Ota.
per cent. 30
" otaina, traoe, talter & fence
of rodovat Jin
lb. 4 ets.
30.,
24
lb. 1| eta.
" do. do. KiJin
lb. 4 ots.,
RO.,
....24
lb. 2^ cts.
" do. do. No. 9@^ in
" do. do. less tiian No. 9....
lb. 4 cts..
....30..
....24
cent 30
" cut tanks, brads, and sprigs,
not over 16 oi. per M
M. 5 ets..
....30..
....24
M. 2eta.
'< do. do. over 16 oz. per M.
M. 5 ots..
....30..
....34
Ib. 2 cts.
" galvanized or aino-coated....
per cent. 30..
....30..
....34
lb. aj cts.
" hoUow-ware, glared or tinned
lb. 2J ots..
....30..
....24
lb. 3 ots.
per cent. 30..
....20..
....15
....24
por cent. 10
Ib. li cts.
" nails, spikes, rivets, and
bolts, wrought
lb. 4 ets...
,...ao..,
., 24
lb. 31 Ota.
" nails, horseshoe
lb. 4 ots...
....30...
...24
Ib. 4J cts.
" other, rolled and hammered,
ton $25...
....Rft...
....24
" pig(notles3than20perct.)
ton $9...
....an...
...34
" railtofld, not over 8 in. high
(not \6S3 than 20 p. o.>...
ton 535...
...30...
...24
ton $13.60.
" Bioot, smooth or poliEhea...
lb. 2Jct3...
....30...
...24
lb. 2J ots.
" slieet, all other not thinner
lb. 2J ots...
...30...
...24
ton $23.
lb. 2Jcts...
lb. 2Jots..,
...24
...24
ton $29.
" " thinner than No. 25...
..,.30...
" slabs, blooms, loops, and
more wrought than pig,
and le^s than bars
ton $17
30
24
ton $17.
" taggers' iion
per cent 6
^0
24
per cent. 10
" wood xorewb, 2 in or Ibsb
lb 12 cts
30
24
lb. DA cts.
over 2 in
lb 12 •■U
30
24
lb. 6^ cts. ■
" " " wish'dorpUt pel cent 5(1
iO
34
" wrou^WformilI,miU oranka,
ships, locomotives ste-im
eBfjines, or pirts, not less
thin 25 Iba
lb 4ctB
30
24
lb. IJ els.
" wrought r'ulroid chairu,
nufj, & punched washers
ib JJots
30
24
" wrought tubes, steam, gas,
and water
lb 5 Ota
30
34 ■
lb. 2i ots.
" all other mmnfaotures per cent 30
30
24
Isinglass
" 20
30
24
*■ 30
Ivory
free,
5 free.
" 10
" blaok
lb lot
20 free.
" 20
" mannfaotures of p
er tent 20
30
24
" 35
i.Google
TARIFFS OF 1843-1863.
1842, 1848. 1857.
Ivory, vegetable,
iufactures of. per c
...30...
.24
Jacks for piano-fortes " 30 20 2i
" olothiura' " 30 30 24
Jalap " 20 20 15
Japanned wares, of all kinds " SO 30 24
Jellies, and all similar preparations " 30 30 24
Jerk-beef lb, 2 eta 20 13
Jet, real or oompoBition per cent. 20 30 24
Jewelry " 20 30 24
" false, BO called " 35 30 24
Juniper berries " 20 20 15
" plants " 20...free,,.free,
Junk, old free,.. .free,,,. free,
Jnte ton $23 25 19
" carpeting per cent. 30 25 13
" butts " 25 20 15
Ealeii
30...
lb. l|cts...
.30...
Keys, watot, of gold or silver pev cent, 30 30...
" all other, of iron, brass,
oopper, gold, or silTor " 30 80...
Kirscheuwasser gal, 60 cts.... 100...
Knitting-needles per cent. 20 20...
Knives, all, of iron, steel, copper,
brass, pewter, lead, or tin " 30 30...
Knobs, brass, gilt, plate 3, or
wasted. Iron, steel, copper, or
bra«3 " 30 30...
Knobs, cnt-glass lb. 45 cts 40...
" glass, not out lb. 13 ots 30...
" " with brass, iron,
steel, or composition sixanks " 30 30...
Knookera " 30..-.. ..30...
Kreosote " 30 30....
per oent. 35
under $1 per sq.
y(t.lb.lSo.&30
18ots.&35p.ct.
lb. 1^ eta. ; cop-
per 35 per ct.
.30 gal. 75 0. to ?1.0!
Labels, decanter
plated
Labels, decanter
ir other, gilt o
c other, gold o
i.Google
1842 1846
Labels, printed per tent 30 30
Lao dye fi^g 5
" sulphur liPe 2(p
Laoe, all fcindg of, made into weir
Ing apparel per cent 30 3n
Laoe, bobhinet " 20 2d
" bobbmet veils, cotton " )0 □()
" uoaoh, worsted " gj; 25
" shawls, if Eewed " 30 00
" caps, pelerines, chemisettes,
handkerchiefs, collars and tipes
vails, cotton ■■ 40 30
Laced boots or booteflS pairJStoijl 5 30
Lacea, all thieid percent 15 20
" gold and silver ' 15 30
Laoets, or ladings, silfc ' "» 2j
Lacquered ware •' 30 30
Ladks, iron, tin, Eritannii, brass
copper, or gilt " oq 30
Lake, (water colors) " 20 30
" drop, do « 20 10
" pamtB 20 SO
LampWaok " 20 20
lamp hooks 01 pnlleys, brats, cop
ir wood " ^0 =0
glas
IP
It p ot. 35; silk, 40
ct.40; cotton, 35
per cent. 40
tg]
'■thgl
pi t d wash d
L tJ
L d m
,y Google
TARIPT'S OP I8i3-1863.
old
pencils
pots, black
powder of black ..
gotap
shot
sngar of
ther & all manufactures wbere
leather is chief valne... p
" ' bracelets, elastic
" garters, elastic
" calf, tanned
'' patent ...-.
1843.
1843.
1857.
1803.
lb. 3 cts.
....20..
...15
lb. 1§ eta,
lb. 3 cts.
....20..
...15
lb. 1^ eta.
lb. 4 cts.
....20..
...15
lb. 2i cts.
cent. 20
....ao..
...15
lb. 3 cts.
b. li cts.
....20..
...16
lb. 1 ct.
lb. 4 cts.
....20..
...15
lb. 1 ot.
... per cent. 25....
lb, 4 cts...
... per cent. 20...
... lb. ijota...
lb. 4 eta....
lb. 4 ots...
lb. 4 cts...
lb. 1 ct.
lb. 2i cts.
lb. 4 ots
per cent. 35
100 llja. 52.40.
per cent. 35
Leaves for djeing, in a crude state
" boiacbo
" medieinal, in a crude state
" other, not otherwise pro
videdfor
Leeches.....
Leoa, wine, liquid
Leghorn, and all hats or bonneti
of straw, chip, or grass
Leghorn flats, braids, crowns, o
Lemons, in bulk or in boxes, bar
rela, or casks
Lime
'' acetate of
Linen bags
" canvas, black
" mitts
i.Google
TARIFFS or 1842-1862.
1846 1857
Linens, tie aohect or ttubleaohed percent 25 20 16 jr- <>*■ ^'^ for 30
" all manutaauiea of, not ■! cts. or under
otter wise epeoili'
Lines, itshmg
" worsted
Lmseed
Linseed takes oi meal
LInsey woolsey
Lint
LicLuor, iron
" purple
:e pa(>te or Juioe
Litharge
LitlLOgrapliia stones
Loadstones
Lotions, all cosmetic
Lozenges, all medicinal
Looks, all
Looking glasses, plates o
Lanar oiustio
Lye, iodi
Maccaroni
Mai,kinery, models ol, a
241bl8ot3.&p.o(
lb. 5 ota.
lb. 1 ct.
lb. 2| otB.
Mathmory for tlie manufaotuie
fiax ind linen ^oods
Madder
Madder root
Magio lanterns
MFignesia
" sulpliita of
MahoRany, unman nfictuied
Mallets, wood
Malt
Manganese
Mangoes
Mangroves, or shells of
Manilla ^rass
M^ntilHs, silk
per cent. 35
lb. 12 ets.
lb. 6 OtB.
11). 1 ct.
per cent. 35
" 20
,y Google
Mantles
Manafactured tobaooo
Marble busts, as statuary
" mannfacturea of
" table-tops „.
" unraanTifaofuTed
Marbles, toy, bated or stone
Marrow
Mastio, crnde
" refined ,
Matbematioal inatmments for col-
leges and Bobools
Mathematical instruments
Matches for pocket lights
Mats, oocoa-nut
" oil or floor-cloth, dish or
table
" sheepskin
" table, tow, straw, or flag
Matting, cocoa-nut
all floor of flags, oc grass,
Mattresses, hair or moss, linen
tick
Meats, prepared
Medals and other antiqnities
Medicinal preparations, uot other-
wise specified
Medicinal drugs, roots, and leaves,
in a crude state, not otherwise
specified
Metal, plated
Metallic pens
" slates, paper or tin
Metals, unmanufactured, not oth-
erwise provided for
Mercury or quicksilTet
" all preparations of
Ifierino olotli, entirely of combed
" clotli, wool
" fringe, worsted
" shawls, of wool
" " body worsted or
1842. 1846. 1857, 1863.
perot, porct.
er cent. 30 30 24 per cent. 40
11>- 10 ots 40 30 lb. 35 cts.
■er cent. 20 10, ..free, per cant. 20
30 30...free, " 10
30 30 24 per cent. 50
" 30 30 24 " 50
25 20 15 cubic ft. 40 cts.
30 30 24 per cent. 35
" 10 10 8 " 10
16 30 8 lb. 60 cts.
20 20 8 lb. 50 ets.
free,. ..free,,,. free, free.
er cent. 30 30 24 per cent. 35
20,20&30.15&24 " 35
36 25 15 '■ 30
" SO 30 34 " 35
" 30 30 24 " 35
35 36 19 '< 35
" 26 25 15 ■' SO
" 25 25 19 " 30
" 20 20 ]5 " 25
25 40 30 " 35
free, ...free, ..free, free.
;r cent. 30 30 24 " 40
20 20 15 " 20
" SO 30 34 " 35
25 30 24 ■' 35
" 36 25 19 " 35
30 30 15 '■ 20
5 30 16 '< ]o
25 35 19 >' 20
40 25 19 " 35
" 40 30 ^W^l^'l^J^
" 30 25 19 " 35
" 40 30 24{"„,\V".;"
i.Google
TAItllFB OF 1842-1862.
1843
18-16
1857
1SP2.
lima si iwl 1 1 r wocien
Ijei 5
P 1 !■'
f ig sevodo
pei
Pit 40
oO
••■i
per cent. 35
tt mm nga wo sted
0
11
" 35
HaniUa, hemp
too 525
2o
Id
ton, $25.
Mioa
per
ent -0
20
1j
pec cent. 30
Millinery of all kinds
40
30
24
36
Mill BawB
itlisl
=0
^4
ft. 12Jto 20ots.
Mills coffee
per
ent 30
30
24
" 35
M nmtuce cissa ivory
3(
30
24
" 35
Mmlataie-,
f ep
tifie
tree
10
Mineral and bit rnamons subBtancBb
in a ornde ttate not otherwise
provided for
pe
ent 30
20
U
per cent. 20
Mook pearlB
20
10
S
" 35
Modnll ng specially impoited
free
free
1 ee
free.
Modelling not specially importecl
perc
ent 30
30
24
per cent. 35
Mo iels of Invention not foi use
free
free
free
free.
Molasses
lb 4Jmill'5
30
24
gal. e eta.
conoen trite 1
lb
4Jots
30
24
lb. 2 ctB.
Mop=
percent 30
30
24
per cant. 35
Morocco skms
doz
$150
20
I
25
Morphine acetate sulphite oi
crystals of
perc
ent 2-!
'0
24
oz. S2.
Mortirs brass or composition
10
30
24 p
ot.35;marble,50
Moss loelind
-0
2D
16
per cent. 10
forbala
1(
_
15
" 20
Mo aies leal not tet
7
13
4
5
set
20
30
24
" 25
Moulls button
-5
-5
19
" 30
Mouse traps wool or wire
60
30
24
35
Mnfla of fur
35
iO
24
" 35
Mnriite of larytes or atrontian
20
20
I'S
20
gold
AO
20
15
20
Masic in sheets or bound
25
10
4
20
Mus pil mstmments
0
2J
15
'■ 30
inst ument str ngs of gut
15
20
1
" 30
part of
metal
11
30
24
" 35
Mishi corns prepared
oO
40
^n
35
Mti^k
20
30
24
50
Mnsket bin els
3Q
30
4
35
bayonet'J
-0
30
24
35
bullet'J
lb
4ot6
"0
15
35
lodg 01 gtobks
lerc.
nt 30
30
4
35
Musket
Btanl
LJloO
30
^
■' 35
Myrrh gum cmie
ler c
nt 1^
20
1
" 20
i.Google
TABIFFS OF 1842-1863.
Nails, cut
" wrought-iron
Hankeeu shoes or slipper
Needles, all kinds
Nests, birds'
Nets, fishing
Nlokel ~.
Jflppers >.
Nitrate of barytes
lb. 4 Ota.. ,
pair 25 ots...
30 30 24
Noyeau
Nut-gallg
Nutmegs
Nats for dyeing, crude
" all not specially mentioned,
Nnz Toniica
" 20 30 1£
" 20 20 IE
gal. 60....100 3(
free, 5 '.
16. SOcts 40 '.
free, 5. ..free
lb. let S0...„&
free 10,.^... E
Oakum anci juiik free, ...free, ..
Oatmeal per eent. 20 20„,
Oats baslv, 10 cts .20...
Oolire, dry lb. 1 el 30...
" in oil „ lb. l^ets 30...
Ochres, all, or oohery earths, when
dry lb. let 30...
Octres, all, or oohery earths, in oil, Ih. IJ ots 30...
Odora or perfumes per eent. 25 30...
Oil oakea " 20 20...
" cloth yd. 35 et3...„.30..,
" fish, and all productions of
American fisheries free, ...free,..
' hemp-seed gal,
' kerosene and other coal„ per c<
' linseed gal.
' olive, in casks "
' rape-seed "
' spermaceti, of foreign fishing. "
bush. 10 ctg.
ISO lbs. 50 c-
$1.50.
.20..
..30..
..24
per cent. SO
ots„
..20..
..15
gal. 23 cts.
.30„
..20..
..15
" 20 ots.
ots..
..20.,
..16
" 23 Ota.
Sets..
..30..
..24
" 25 cts.
5 ots..
...20..
...16
" 23 eta.
5 ots..
...20..
...15
per cent. 20
Oil Of 0.
" neats' foot
" palm bean
Olives per ci
i.Google
TARIFFS OF 1842-1862.
Onions
Opium
" extract of
Orange bittera
" crystals
" fl-owers ,
" flower wafer
r cent. 10
lb. S2.
" pe«l " 20 20.,
0'"a''ges 'I 20 20..
Ore, speoiiaena of free 20..
Organa per cent. 30 20..
Ornaments, gilt wood, gold paper, ■
or for ladies' head-dresses, silk, " SO 30„
Ornaments, not for head-dresses,
«' ""etal '• 30 30..
Orpiment •' 25 10,.,
Orris-root " 20 20
Osiers for baskets „ " 20 20...
Oatiioh plumea and fsatliBrs " 33 30,,,
Oxjnmriate ot lime " 20 20...
orchlorafeof potaase, " 20 30,..
Oysters 1. 20 20...
Paok-tliread lb. 6 rts 30...
^^^^7 per oent. 20 20...
Paintings on glMS " 30 go,,.,
" porcelain 'i 30 3o__ _
Paints, oarmine " 30 30...,
" dry or ground in oil, not
qflierwise prorided for, per oent. 20 20....
" Spanisli brown, dry lb. 1 ot 20...,
" " " in oil lb, IJcts 20....
" water colors
" wbite lead
Painters' colors
Palm-leaf hats or baskets
" leaves, nnmannfaotuced
PannelaawB
Paper, for screens or flreboards. ...
" hangings
" all other, and all manufac-
Parasols, silk
Parasol sticks or frames
Parokment
lb. 4 cts...
percent. 20...
p.o. 25&35...
..15 100 lb. 50 Ota.
■ 30 24 40and3i
.10...free,
,y Google
TARIFFS OF 18*2-1862.
Paris wiite, dry lb. 1 ot...
" " ground lb. IJots...
Parts of stills of copper per cent. 30...
Pneto almond " 26...
" imitation of precious stones, " 7...
" perfumed " 25...
" work ttat is set " 25...
Pastel or woad lil- 1 ot...
Paving- stones per cent. 25...
Pearl, motiier of free,,..
PearlB, all " 7...
" composition " 25...
" mocfe " 7...
Peanuts
Pelts, salted
Pencils, black lead, camels' hai
or red ckatk
Pencil oases, gold, silver, gilt, c
Penknives
Pens, metallic
111. 1 ct...
25..,
qui
Pepper, Ijlaok or white lb. 5 cts...
" Cayenne, Ckili, or African, lb. 10 ots...
PeroTiSEion caps per cent. 30...
Perfumed soap for skaving " 30...
Perfumery vials and bottles various,...
Perfumes - ; per cent. 25...
Personal and household effects,
not merohandiae, of citiaeng of
the U. S., dying abroad free,...
Pamvian bark free,,..
Petticoats, ready-made, cotton per cent. 50...
Pewter, mannfactnrea of, not enu-
merated " SO...
Pewtor, old, fit only to be re-man-
afaotnred
Phosphate of lime
" of soda
Phosphorus
Phosphorus lights, in glass bot-
tles, with paper cases
Phosphuret of lime
Piano-fortes
■ free, ...
per cent. 20...
ct.30&lb. 2 c.
per cent. 30
i.Google
Piauo forte teirules
Pioklea
Pimanto
Pjncecs
Pmoashioni, cotton
Fine apples
Pin or needle c
t, all
Pma ll" -
Pins, Bilver, iron, oi pound lb i
Pipea, olay and wood pa' <^e-
Pistols "
Pitoh '
" Buigundy "
Plaster busts, casts, stitnes
" court oiitiilk 01 oncimbiio per CO
" of Pans, ungiouiid
" " ground "
" " calcined "
" ornaments "
Plane irons ■ "
Planes
Planka, wrooglit or roogt "
Plants
Plated wtrfs of all kinds per «'
Plate silver ~ "
Platim, unmanufacturud
" manufjaures of per ce
Playing cards
Plonghs
'■ plane
PlumbifiO
Plumes, ornamental
Plnm'i
Pluah, biir
" nioliair or goats' liair
" or sbag worsted —
Pocket books, leather
" pipPT ~
Pocket bottles, green gliss
Poliohing stones
Pomalnm
Pomegranates
Poppy heads
paok 25 fcts
per cent 30
lb 1 tt
lb. aa ets.
per cent. 35
per oent. 20
24 paok 15 & 25 o(
oO 24 lb.l8ct3.&p.ot. 25
,y Google
TARIFFS OP 1842-1862.
1842. 1349. 1857.
perct. perct.
Poppy seed " 30. ..free,., free,
Poroelaiu " 30 30 24
" giaaa " 30 30 24
" slatea " 25 35 19
Pork lb. 2ot3 20 15
Porphyry per cent. 20 30 24
Portiible deElia " 30 30 24
Porter, in tottlea .
" otberwiBe " 15 ots.
Potasse, prusaiate of per cent. 20.
Potassium. " 20.
Potatoes bust. lOots.
Pots, black lead per cent. 30,
" blue " 30.
" oast-iroQ lb. IJ ota.
" melting, earthen per cent. 30 30...
Poultry, or game, prepared " 25 40...
Ponnce " 20 20 15
Powder, black leact... " 36 20 15
" b!ue " 25 20 15
" of brass " 26 20 15
pnffii " 20 30 24
" anbtil, foe the skin " 25 30 24
Powders a,nd pastes " 25 30„
Precions atones, gli
gal, 20 eta 30...
...36..,
,30
.,,24
of all kinds, not
set
25...
Prepared olay " 30...
" vegetables, meats, poul-
try and game " 25...
Preserves in molasses and all
otters " 25...
Preaaing-boards lb. 12^ cts...
Prints or engravings
Prisms, cut-glass
Professional books of persona ar-
riving in the U. S
Pcotractora, ivory-mounted p
Prunella
" for shoos, bootees, and
buttons
Prunes
Prussian blue p
Puliies, iron, brasa, copper or wood
lb. 45 0
lb. 3 0
35
gal. 30 cts.
" 20 cts.
lb. 5 cts.
lb. 15 ot.
buab. 25 cts.
pur cent. 35
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TARIFFS OF 1842-1862.
1842.
1846.
1857.
1802.
■
■ free
,..10..
free.
Pn ki
^
..20..
...15
" 25
...15
lb. IJ CtB.
...30..
...24
25..
...30..
...24
" 30
" 15..
...15
30
Qailtinga, or bed-quilt3, ootton
" 30..
...25..
...24
35
...20.
...30.
...15
.,.15
" 45
" 45
Rags, of any kind, except wool
lb.^ct..
... 5..
free.
free.
....40.
.„. 8
lb. 5 Ota.
...10.
...30.
... 8
...24 35
lb. 1 ct.
Raaps
" 30.
p.0t.&Il3.3cts.
...10.
free,
free.
" manufactured
... per cent. 20.
...20.
...24
per cent. 25
Rattles, wood, ivory, coral, or w
ith
bells
" 30
:^0
24
" 35
Havens duck, liemp or Sax
.q yd 7 cts
20
1'.
30
Razors
per cent 30
"n
24
" 35
Kaior oases
At)
^0
34
'■ 35
" strops wood
'< W
30
24
35
Keijm^^ol^'i iron or bteei
30
30
34
" 35
Rpd otromate of poilih
2B
20
15
lb. 3 ots.
" !eid, gronndm oil
lb 4 cts
20
15
100 lbs. $2.40.
" precipitate
per oent 25
20
15
par cent. 20
" Venetian, dry
lb lot
30
15
" " ground moil
lb IJcts
30
15
25
" wood and red stndei'S' wo
d free
5
free,
free.
" w ool, or tur for hatters
free.
10
8
per cent. 10
Reedf unnionufaotmed
free,
10
free
free.
" mannfattured
per cent 20
au
24
per cent. 25
Reindter akiuB, diesacd
i.Google
Rules, all
" bay, or bay w
Or. '".".'.'.".
Saddle hooks " 30___
Saddle trees " 30...
Saddlery, all not otherwise speci-
fied " 30...
" silrer-plated, brass, or
" tinned, japanned, or
common >' 20...
Saddles n gg^ _
Saffi'on free,...
" cake per cent. 20...
lb.
50 cts.
lb.
1*.
cts.
per ,
. 35
35
35
lb.
15 .
Its.
per cent.
35
""" TARIFFS or 1843-1863.
1843. 1846. 1857
BeBin, of Jalap per cent, 15 20 8
" nuxTomica " 15 20 8
Rhodium a ^5 20 s
^nl'arb free, 20 15
^'"^ percent. 20 20 15
S'^ss each 32.50 30 24
Rings, all metal per oent. 30 30 24
Rivets, brass, iron, and steel " 30 30 24
Boohelle salts " 20 20 15
Rods and eyes, for stairs " 30 30 24
Roman oament " 20 20 . 15
" '''""1 lb. 4 cts 2o'."!'.'.15 " 20
Sope, made of hides cut in strips, per oent. 20 20 15 " 20
" oroordageofooeoanutahells lb. 4J cts 25 19 lb 34 cts
Roots, all not otherwise enumer-
^^^^ free,...free,..free, percent. 30
^"°^ percent.20 20 16 " 20
" madder free, 5.. free, free.
" water..,,
Koain
Rotten stone...
Eonge
Babies
35
'■ 3.^
T?ee Gin.)
gal. 50 cts.
gal, 75 cts.
bush. 15 ots.
per oent: 10
,y Google
TARIFFS OS 1842-1862.
Sago
per cent 20
20
15
lb. H ots.
S-ul duck
1C1 yd 7ct8
20
1^
per cent. 30
Sal ammoniit
per cent 20
10
8
30
" 30
20
15
20
Silmon pieseiTed
bhl ¥2
30
24
" 35
" piekled
pel cent 20
20
30
bbl. $3,
half, bulk
hu?h 8 ct=
20
15
100 lbs. IS ots.
■' otkeiwiBfl
" 8 ots
20
15
24 cts.
SaU«d Bkirera, roins or
pelts
per cant 5
5
4
per oent. 10
Saltpetie, partially refined
lb iot
10
8
lb. 3 cts.
" refined
lb 2 ct8
10
3
lb. 3 cts.
" crude
tiee,
5
4
lb. 2 cts.
Salts, chemical, all
percent 20
20
15
per oont, 20
Sardines, m salt
20
20
15
bbl. 31.50.
and all flail in
oil
JO
40
30
per cent. 30
Sarsap^rilla
m^.
20
15
20
Sashes, silk
Ih $2 50
^0
24
" 35
Sassafras
pel cent 20
20
15
20
&iucepans, metal
oO
30
24
35
Sauees, all tmdB
" 30
30
24
35
Sana ages
" 25
30
30
" 35
each $1
30
24
lin. ft. 8 otB.
" inill pit and drag
eaoh$l
30
24
" 12Jto20c.
Saw sets
pel cent 30
30
24
per cent. 35
Soaghola tables or Blab^
30
40
30
" 35
Soalea
30
30
24
35
faoarfs, cotton
30
30
24
35
" wool
40
30
24 lb. 18 ots. & p. 0.3a
Soissor^
" 30
lO
24
per oent. 85
Scoop nets
lb 7 ots
311
24
35
Scrapers
per lent 30
'0
24
35
Sea weed, and all other
vegetable
bub'tances used for
beds a
r
mattresses
" 20
20
15
" 20
Seeds, garden
iree,
free.
lee
'( 30
" ill others not speoified
ftee,
free.
ree,
Tarious.
Segars, worth §5 per M
lb 40 ots
40
30
lb. 35 cts.
" " &5-$10perM
lb 40cts
40
30
lb. 60 cts.
" " $10-320
lb 4ncts
40
30 p
o.lO&M.80ots.
'• *20
lb 40 ets
40
30 p. 0. lO&M. $1.
' paper
lb 15 cU
40
■iO
as other segarg.
Seltz-jr witer
per cent 20
30
24
per oent. 3J
Senna
20
20
15
" 20
SestantB
" ■vy
30
24
" 35
Shades, Hoe, sewed
lb JiW
'0
24
35
Shai'ing &oap
per tent 30
30
24 p
o,30&lb.2cts.
Shawl=, «ooI
" 40
30
24p
ot. 35 &lb. 18 c.
i.Google
TARIFFS OP I84S-18G3.
p.ot
20&30
ent. 30
....30
....SO
liei
Stears
■■■■^
Sheathing- metal, patent, compoaed
■"■■"
free,.
.free,.
Skeathiiig-paper
■ ""^^
per
ent. 30
....30.
Sheetinga, linen, hemp, or Rnaaia
■■■■"
brown or white
free,,
ent. 25.
per
....30.
.... 1
" boxes, not otherwiae enu
"""
merated
20.
5.
20.
20.
30.
...30.
.... 5.
... 5.
...30.
...25.
'
...^1
Sheila, all other
... 4
Shingles
" " woolen
30.
Ifi Ota.
...30.
,..30.
Shoes or alippers for children......
" " for grown per-
sona, of sillc...
"
30 cts.
...30.,
...?A
" " of leather, for
...30..
" " of ptnnella.
■
atuff, or other materials, except
25 cts..
...30..
Shoes, i. e. double-soled pumps and
.,-
welts, women's leather
25 ots..
pero
nt. 35..
30..
free,,,.
,.30.,
„30...
ree,..
..34
..24
rae.
Shovels
Shuttlsoocks and battledores
SO-
SO..
30...
..30...
..30...
..25...
„24
..24
Side-arms
Silk and cotton-Testing
.<
" and worsted valencias, toile-
nets or orape da Lyons
lb.
$2.50...
..25...
..13
" in 1 wor-ited ahawls hemmed per ce
nt. 30...
..30...
fl4
" manufactures of
30...
.25...
" apionfl eolHii onib ehemi
settes t irbans maul Hag
and pellennes
lb.
S2 50
" hobbnor braiia per oe
nt 30
25
19
" caps if entirely of ailk
lb.
$2 50
30
'■ cords
lb.
$2 50
25
11
" curls
lb.
$3 50
30
24
i.Google
TAKIiTS OP 1842-1862.
1S43. 1S46.
per ot.
Silt floss and otter similar, puri-
fied from the gum ■ per cent. 25 30...
" frizettes " 30 30...
" garters, with wire and olaspa, "' 30 30...
■' gloves IIJ- S2-B0 3"-
" Iiat-lands lb. §3.50 35...
" tats or bonnets for women... eaoh$l 30...
" hose per cent. 40 30...
« " sewed " 40 30...
<i laoe lb. $2.50 25„,
" manufactures with gold or
silver, or otter metal per cent. 30 30...
'■' mitts lb- 312.50 30..,
" " BBwed - lb. $3.50 30...
" not more advanced in man-
ufaotore than singles, or
tram lb. 50 ots 15.,.
" ornaments, oilcloth, suapoud-
ers, Btooka percent. 30 30...
" sewing, all lb. S3 30..
.' " raw lb. EOota 15,..tcee, " y"
■< tassels lb. S2.60 25 19 " 40
" watoli-ohains orribbona lb. 82.50 25 19 " 35
" webbing per cent. 30 25 19 " 45
■' all other articles " 30 30 24 " 3!<
Silks, at SI per yard or leas lb. $3.50 25 19 " 40
" over SI per yard lb. 32.50 25 19 " 40
Silver, all manufactures of, not
otherwise speoilled per oent. 30 30 24 " 35
" hull ion and coin free,. ..free, ..free, free.
" German, in sheets percent. 30 30 24 per oent. 35
manufactures of, " 30 30 24 " 35
" plated metal, in sheets or
other form " 30 30 24 " 35
Syrup of sugar-eane lb. 2^ ots 30 24 lb. 2 cts.
Skates, under 20 cts per cent. 30 30 24 pair 8 ots.
t. Q„gj .. " 30 30 34 per cent. 35
Skeletons ZZ...1 " 30 30 15 " M
Skins, calf and seal, tanned and
dressed doz. S5 30 15 " 30
" for saddlers, etc lb. 8 cts 20 15 " 20
" glazed, as patent-leather... per cent, 35 20 19 " 35
" goat and sheep, tanned and
not dressed dea. $1 20 15 " 25
" goat or morooBO, tanned
and dressed doz. S2.50 20 15 " 35
,y Google
eOi TAKiFFS or 1842-1862.
1843. 1846. 1857.
Skins, kid and lamb, tanned and
not dreaaed doz. 75 ct3 20 15
" kid, tanned and dvessed... " SI 20 15
" of all kinds in the hair,
dried, raw. Or unmanu-
factured
" piokled, in casks
" sheep, tanned oi- dressed..
" witli wool
" tanned and drasaed, other-
iviao than, in colors, viz. : fawn,
kid, and lamb, known as chamois
Skivers, pickled
" tanned
Slates ot all kinds per cent. 25,
Sledges lb. 2J eta 30.
Smalts per cent. 20 20
Snails " 30 30
Snuff lb. 12ots 40,
Suuffers per cent. 30 SO.
cent. 5 5 4
' 20 5 4
doa. $2 20 15
doz. $2...
Soap, all
Soda, ash
" preparatio
lb. 4 otE...
■ut. 20
'■' 10
lb. 35 cts.
per cent. 35
(lb. 2 cts. & 30&
( 35 per cent.
lb. i ot.
Spa, or Spaware
Specimen)!, anatomical
glas
gross S!
Spentacles, all per cent. 3<
Spelter, in pigs, bars, or plates.,.. free
" in sheets,...
" manufactures of
Spokes
Sponges
Spoons, all
Spy-glasaes
Starch
Statues and specimens of statn-
Stavea, all ]
30 30, 24
20 20 8
30 30 24
30 30.15&24
30 30 34
lb. 2ot3 20 15 p
e, ...free, ...free,
,.15
t. 20 20...
,y Google
steel in ingots, bars, sheets, or wire
over i in. diam., valned 7 ots.
Co, do. valued 7@11 cts
Steel, any form not provided (or...
" wire, No. 16@J in. in diam.
" " less ttanNo. 16
" all mannfaotures of j
Stereotype plates
Still-worms
" bottoms
Stomacb. pumps
Stone, Armenian
Stones, Bristol
" mill, fit for use
" not in erohau table, ballast.
" oil
Straw baskets
" oarpots and carpeting
" for tata, in natural state..-
Stretcliere for umbrellas and pSira-
Strings, bow, if gut
" hatters', if gnt
" of musical instruments, if
gut
Strycbnina
Succory, ground „
Sugar, raw
" refined, loaf, lump, crushed,
pulyeriaed
" refined, tinctured or colored
?' syrup, concentrated molas-
ses andmelado
" whits or clayed
" moalie, hooped or sot p
Bulphurio ether ,
Sumac
Surgeons' inattoments, al! pi
Suspenders, all
Swans, down of
Sweatmeats or comfits, all
Sword-knots, gold and silver, fine
and half-fine
" lace
" silk or worsted
cwt. S2.50.16&20 15
" 52.50 20 15
" 83.50 30 15
Ih. 5ots 20 15 lb.a
lb. Sets 20 15 Ib.aj
er cent. 30 30 24
" 25 20 15
" 30 30 24
30 30 24
" 30 30 24
" 20 20 16
" 30 30 24
20 :0 15
20 10 15
" 20 20 15
" 20 20 15
25 30 24
25 25 34
" 30 20 15
" 12^ 30 24
" 15 20 15
" 15 20 15
15 20 15
20 BO 24
" 20 20 15
ib. 2J ots 30.-.
lb. 6ctB 30....
lb. 8 cts 30
lb. 2Jct8 30
lb. 4 cts 30
lb. If eta.
lb. 2J cts.
lb. 3 cts.
2i to 3| ots.
,y Google
TASirFS OF 1843-18'
Table-tops, scagliola per cent. 30 40 30
Tallow ..
" candles
Tanaariuds
Tamboreens
Tannin, medioinal
Tapers, paper, witli oottoa mick...
" stearina
" spermaceti or was
Tapiooa
Tat, Barbadoes, crude
lb. 1 ot.
lb. 2^ Ota.
par Gent. 10
lb. S cte.
er cent. 20
Teaa, all kinds, from beyond Cape
of Good Hope
Teas, other pere
free, ...free, ..fri
Thibet, caslimare of "
" aiiawls, real or goata' hair, "
" " of wool "
" " body cotton. "
Tklmbles, all "
Thread, esoutoheona "
" pack - lb. 6
Tilea, marble percent.
" paving and roofing. "
" eucanstic "
Timber, hewn or sawed "
Time-pieces "
Tin, all manufactnres of..
" banea
" hoxea
crystala of
4 lb. 18c.&p. ct.35
lb. 1 ct 5... free,
lb, 1 ot 5...frBe,
per cent. SO...
...20...
.15
foil...
lb. 2J cts..
lb. 4cts 30 IB
lb. 1 et 5..,free,
lb. 1 ct 5...free,
12
' granulated
' inplga
■ in plates lb. 2Jots 15.
■ " galvanised lb. 2^ cts 16.
' in sheets lb. SJ ots 15
e of...
oxide of...
.20...
,y Google
TABIFFS OF 1843-]
1842.
Ticitures, bark, and othor medio
" odonfetous
Lippets, if dasoed aa millmeij
Tobieoo, raanufactaied
tured ]
Toilet glissea
Tongnes, iietts smokad
' reiudeec
Ton qua beaQ-i
Tools and impleiaenta of trade m
use bi peraoiih iiriTing in the
United States
looth bmshes orpowder'! j
" picks, ^11
Tovs, of every deswiption
Trays and waiters, all
Treaole in ol is sea 1
Trees
24 35 oiiidSOpur ct.
24 p.ot.85; quills,30
24 per ceut. 35
24p.0.35; japan'd*)
" wronght
30
Tnrpentine, apinta of
gal 10 ot
Turtle, green
percent 20
Jwme
lb G Ota
Tjp-'s, metal
percent 25
" old " 2'i
Umber
Umbrellas per cent. 30...
Umbrella furniture " 30...
Vanilla, beana " 20...
" plants of free,...
Tarnishes, of all kinds par cent. 20„.
Vegetables, prepared , " 20...
" usodin dyeing, crude, free,...
Tided for ' 20
Veils, lace, cotton, oi silk " 'iO
Vellnm " 25
Velret binding, <
10 15 free.
20 15 lb. ^ct.
SO 24 per cent. 35
iO 24 '■ 3S
W 15 lb. S3.
e,...free, per cent. 30
iO 15p.o.20&gal.50e.
10 24 per cent. 40
10 30 " 35
5.„frae, free.
15
10
Eilk
lb ^
,y Google
Velvet cotton per cent. 30....
" Bilk doz. $2.50....
Vercligria per cent. 20....
Vermicelli' " 30..,,
Vennillion " 20,...
Vessels, cast-icon, not otterwise
specified lli. IJets.,..
" copper per cent. 30....
Vestiiigs, cotton " 30.,.,
Vinegar „, gal, 8 ots„.
Violins per cent. SO...
Violin strings, gut " 15.,.
Vitriol, blue lb. 4 ota
" green lb, 2 ots...
" oil of lb. lot...
" irbite „. percent. 20,..
gal. B cts.
pec cent. 30
30 and 35 p. ct.
Wadding paper ..,
Wafera
■Wagon boxes
,,,30...
lb. IJ eta 30.,,
Waiters, all per cent, 30... ...30,.
Walking-sticks or oanes " 30 30..,
Wasliea " 25 30...
Waste or aboddy " 10 5...
Watch cryatitla, nben not set gross $2 30...
Watchea per cent. 7J 10,.,
Watcb materials and parts of
watches " 1^ 10...
Water wheels, of iron lb. IJ ots 30..,
" colors per cent. 30 30...
Wax beads " 35 30...
" bees', bleached or unbleaoh'd " 15 20...
12}...
" sboemakers' ., "
Webbing, India-rubber "
Wedgewood ware "
Weld
Wet blue per oi
Whalebone, of foreign fishing "
" of American fishing,.. free, ...free,., free.
Wheat bush. 35 ota 20 15
" flour 1121b3. 70o 20 15
Whetstones per cent. 20 20 15
Whips " 35 30 24
Whisky, all gal. 60 ots.... 100 30
Whiting lb. 1 cU 20 15 dry.
lb.Jc,;
Gin.J
oil,l|
,y Google
INDEX TO VOL. II.
», 206, Wi, ^5, 363, 3.
Aiget, Cjmx, m
AUaiTjlonltl^, 330,
AUen, Sleplien M., 4011, 497.
Mioj, Brown & Slater, 2% 43, SO, 1'
Ameploan Prlijt'^drS%lS.'"' '
Amorlian Wood Papet Co., 49a.
Ames, N. P.,349,m
Amasieiig Uanu^ln'rins Co., BOO.
Aahva-a JUanaCaotoTy. 516.
Apids pacers, flrsl, ID2.
ApFifTOS, HJTHiH, 193, 233, 333, 31
352, 27T, 281, 394, 305, 330, 330, S
Ball, E., 036. ' ■ ' •
Batoheider, Smuia, 800, 514.
Ble^ow, S. B. ,' 4'
BlMklne, 102.
BlanchKrd, Tliom
Bli>nketB,130,S31
utlonsioi'lOf
123,213,234,277, 3i8,
S54, 411,
yaeld ractory.
109,141.
■*«■»
06,68,100,107,1
30^8.
0, 188,
33S,
289,270,
041.
onon, B7, sa, 15S, 198, 204, 30a
OOe. 8«e FiBE-jHMS.
tdina msuhines, 8!, 83, US, 16
rds, iand, 7a,
rds, idaohlnB,10I,lB4,lS7,319
roy, Hanrr C, MS, 4a§.
»,502lo
Jl, 268,
vhart, Jeremi
li, 447, 488.
20, 182, m. 2S5
318,
839, ata,
1, 112, 126, 1S8, 147, 308, 346, 471
"IBCIHUATI, OhlollS, 90, 100,
240,24,1, 281, 232,310, 346.
iQYO "flllior; loa! ^^"'^
Ml, 35, 46, 109,117, 185,. 203,
362,332, ilO.
CohonB, ,309, 4:
--■ iw.sos. _
Ilk, 0», 54
9, 194,214,261,294,2(1
1, las, 270, 340. '
BrandyBiuefowdor Mills, 017.
Brawlno, 37, 93, 124, 162, 262, 237, 296, 405, 473.
Bridges, jSrrt, 138.
BrtdgBWBler, 151.
Britannia ware, aT7,
BroBdcloth, ;(!■»<, 108, 133, 133, 149, 166, 179, 194,
BoFFJii, U. T,, 69, 803, 383,
Colton machiuer]
7, 38, 62, B3, 8S, 103, 106, 110, 113,
131 , 11.1, 148, 168, 17^ 186, 1S7,
, 274, 281, 291, 297, 299, 808, SOB,
i.Google
Eoglnu. Slesm, 19, 81
ETSrett mills, CIS.
ExhltalllODE, Indnstriol,
310, sif, m, '-iHI.
FlRB-AKBa, 35, 7S, flS, Ul, 21S, 2M, 278, SOS, 320,
3M, 413, 460, O0a-SO8.
Bibrilia, lei, 183, t4Z, «7.
SiBlieries, 17, IS, 43, Wi.
5lBh-hoolcs,5fli,1110.
BUlkili, If. r., 208.
71tcli, JobD,2a, 70.
■ Blaic, 87, 8% 71, 80,101,132, 140, 182, 2I», 278,
riour, 38, 08, lai, 132, 171, 217, 240, 320, «3.
SorgeB, 92, 111.
Tort Htt Iron Fonadry, 204, 003.
FrankUn, BeniBmin, 27,
FiaBiJin InstUule, 208, 305, 312, 323, 339, 361.
Bullon, Kolsrli, (12, 87, 74, 79, SO, 86, 09, IIH, 12S,
148, 178,186,200, 3«.
Furalture, 447, 472, Si
a^lntln, Albert, 127, 146.
Ossitglits, flrBt,67,83, 281.
Gatla^l^ N. T., Id.
Oeorgli>,l«, 172, 324, 333, 338, 382, 403.
ffills,«lttotl, <a, 89, 88, 95,101,122,384,
Qiiiee, 40, Bt, 73, 98, 114, 123, 181, 144, 1£
184, 206, 317, 246, 250, 285, 286, 301, 31
380, 411, 4M.
Qlnnber asUs, 26.
GlobM, flrat, 184, BS5.
GloyeravillB, N. Y., 105.
Quid. 3I», 340, 835, 4IS.
aoDdjFiwr, Obarlea, 442.
Grea^FallE HEau^luiing Co,, 289.
Hnasey, Obed^ 4
:, «2, 608.
Ice, firsl cargo or
lllinoia, 245,'829,
IM!'an™2M,'326,
InrtlsKnliber, 27
IKON°34,°105, IK
2B3, 87a, 276, 8
370,336,41)2,4
116, 413, 415.
efllaof, 477.
^8441, 86^ 370
1M^177, 193,
41B,
4ia,4
IsHgUss, 172, 29
Jackson, P. T., 1
Jaffersoa, Tboma
,'S2, SS,9B, 1
i,l
7,231
JeS5 l^'.M.
Jewelry, 166, 218,
2ie.
Kanawla, Ta., 2
KalbBelsch, Marl
KnilUDgmacblne
n;443.
>„
-.
Late, 285, 207. 312, 318, 348, 37'
LattoU, 128, 305^ 443, 444.
Lead, 3S, 134, 155, 174, 254, 287, 828, 320, 335, 412.
Leither, 84, 147, 170, 188, 238, S39, 296, 811, flO,
i.Google
per,K,'F.,«*,*M.
UAOHineitT, a
103, 118, 338, lOi, ass, 28S, S03, sss.
aannjf, Jolin E., «J.
MUBioacBmis, 102, 109, 111, 116, 123, 144,145,
ITS, 207, 214, 21^ 244, £94, 31S, 339, 3S7, 403,
Mint, H. a.
PI, OS, atl, 371.
F.'b,, 40^ 434!
ag iaiiaMB6B,Jlrtt, li
and spikes, 34, 63, Hi
>wi*£,l
1, 102, 111, aei, 209, 283, 2W, 371.
sot
47, 90, ISO, 126, lOa, 20a, 38».
I, 205, 892, 379,
338,343,31
Noa-lmpoi-faiu.^u ■
Korlh GaioUam 1'
Molt, Dr. Eliptaif
0, 2i), ISi, Zm, 2^ 233, 294, 2[
81, 20);!
dL
,16
;Utd
m.
3-Z '.
PALKEtt, B, F., 418.
Ffttenla, 21, 32, fii;
102,112,117711^
m,21S,234.240,
341, «S9, 364,871
330,^0
163
I?i
40
4IS
■a
415;
Pa
e,;tori«7s31,401,498,
"''4o"ra OT 71 36 107
3,'231,2S4,240,250,'aitl,
lie
.«
S.
161,
33^
Ph^nixviliCKT iai,
PiiK 63! °'
Pins, 184, 209,
nits, Joka A.
I72. ■
239,304,372,399,.
S«^ 380, 39fl, 103.
PlttsBeld, Mug., 37, 1
PliBlcg macliinos, 33:
Ploughs, 218,250, 272
PratlsviUfl, H. Y., 29
inUDg, 40, ISO, 102, 218, 310, 469,
rtntlng-ntassea, 103, 167, 213, 235, 271. 272, 21
289, mi, 330, 33!, 331, 417, Ml, 012, 043. 044.
)ttou<,249, 203,
is, 271. 272,
012, 043. Hi
i.Google
Bodman g'an, the, 602, SOI
EoEBDisa, Jons A., *H 4S7,
KiAlng-BUlla 307/337, 340.
RooC, Ellshs k., tie,
KaBgl?B,a. P., *47,fl01.
KflS>or?,CoBiit,7I.
'^.a^ao^V^^^aj'y^' ^'
Saw-mill, _^i(j go I 07,89,254,265 '
Bswa, 200, ies, B38, 349, 387, 446 4sl
Serews, 143. ife, IRB, 198, 199, m, m, 333, 487.
BBtooIs of Amsrtcia Art. 479
SojthBS, 10a, 20s.
SanooBPftlls, M. T., 490.
afiio?r7V^'"°eo*'' "'■ '""■ ""■ ^'*'
^Jg*'"»d'"S. SB, 147, 200, 210, 2J0, 302, 444,
Sbirt oollare, 007, 009
SboSdy, 83.
6I10B9 anS buola, ia),°i2B, 132, U7, m 18.Q K
381,470. 471,601, B0». • ' ■ '
Shoo pegs, us.
Bilk, «,'gBl,'294,'303, BM, 307, 303-318, 326, sa
«4,S3^ 3^, 377, 39l74(»,'407:413, «6;S
313, 314, 322,' 823', 332. Ssi mi 34a, 302
360, 372, .381, 362, 408, 448, See AppSidik,
.08IO. fltoto^ (/, from 1842 tu 1362, p«iw8
OH, Mass., 1.14, 269, 3«1.
^°l^°'?^«„*'°^«'',F*-
Slav«-t»ds abollshi
Hbodoleltuid, £28-030.
idles, 282,' 426, 473,
'PuvBpikea^si, 40: 137, 142, 193
Type foundliis, 68, 209, 3X2, 419, 448, 470.
Type aetHnj: machinee iol, M2, S12.
United StAlea Back, 28, 230.
7, 84, 100, 104, 111
71, 410.
70, 278, 340, 369.
39,'354,'403, 40t
Sooialy, Hew York, 76, lOS.
BoeletJ, Ponnaylranfa, 13, 4'
Sode^, PhiladelphlB, lis, S
a»4,361,--'
SplrilB, ex<
Btflol,34, 20s, *42, 299, 308, 4S
WATBKBOKr. Conn., 349, 490.
West Point Foundry, 503.
Wheeler A Wilson, 4B1, 002, OK
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3B, 180, 179, Tni, 313, 314, Sii, 3M, «9.
sn aoUi, 3a, 38, M, ise. its, iiw, leo, lee,
208, ai4 333, 370, 378, afi, 2S0, 204, M7,
314, 318, 321, 422, 62i.
oiieo jami4, aifj, awi, dJa, JJ-*, '*i>j, *
rated goods. 231, <G0,
BCEeiEIL,'Ma3E., 302, 3^'
k MuiDlulaiiagCiwipaiir, UO.
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